Words:Adedosu 'kenzy' Adekunle
Many Nigerians are still in doubt if it is true or not, as the announcement of his death at the 3rd edition of CITY PEOPLES ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS on Sunday August 7th, Nigerians were left with their own words to swallow.
As the Nigerian entertainment Nollywood sector was again thrown into a state of sadness this week as one of its key players, Sam Loco-Efe passed away tragically in his hotel room while on location in Owerri, Eastern Nigeria.
The veteran actor, who was one of the most gifted thespians of his generation had been frail for years, causing him in 2008, to purportedly quit smoking and drinking – two of his major habits.
According to Segun Arinze, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) the story goes that Sam Loco Efe had traveled to Owerri to edit a movie ‘Unknown Prophet‘ which was shot in Port-Harcourt. Efe had directed the movie.
On Saturday, August 6, 2011, the 69-year-old veteran had told his crew to grab some sleep after a long day of work, they were meant to continue the following day.
The next day, the crew waited for him to continue work but after sometime decided to go wake him up from his hotel room. Upon getting there, they heard no response after repeated knocks on the door. They were forced to open the locked door to gain entry only to find the actor dead.
His death was confirmed by an officer from the Nigerian Police Force and a doctor.
As expected, fans and colleagues are shocked and bewildered – and many are already showering tributes on the late actor. Loco’s death comes barely months after another veteran Ashley Nwosu passed in Lagos, and about a month after another legendary entertainer Christy Essien-Igbokwe died.
Born in Enugu, Sam Loco-Efeeimwonkiyeke was an indigene of Benin in Edo state.
A graduate of theatre arts from the University of Ibadan, he shot to instant fame after he was voted best actor for his role in Langbodo, Nigeria’s only drama entry for the historic FESTAC ’77. He went on to establish himself as a remarkable stage actor and mentor to an entire generation of actors. He was also a major player in the movie industry, playing a variety of roles in Igbo and English movies for over three decades.
A chain smoker, drinker and womanizer, he once told reporters ‘Whatever gives you pleasure, please do it… I think one is free to do whatever gives him or her pleasure, provided one does not destroy self in the process.’
He is survived by 6 children.
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