Veteran Nigerian actor dies

The Nigerian creative arts industry has been hit with another blow as one of its veteran actors passes on.

The demise of actor Rich Oganiru was announced on Tuesday, August 10, after he took ill for months.

Just two weeks ago, a video of him fading away on his sickbed and begging for financial assistance was shared online.

Please, everyone should reach out before he dies, the caption on the post read.

He did not survive the illness as the sad news of his death was announced on Facebook last night by his friend.

“Sunset At Noon, Tuesday 10th August 2021 Ahem… I’ve lost a good friend like a brother for years, a great Nollywood actor par excellence. I’m just speechless. R.I.P Amb. Rich Oganiru. RIP Amb Rich Oganiru. Well, his sad demise reminds me of a song ‘celebrate me while I am still alive,” he posted.

Mr. Oganiru has been living alone since 2012 when he lost his wife to Fibroid.

He was subsequently arrested for her murder, but he has cleared off all charges after evidence refuted the claims.

Rich Oganiru, who has been in the Nigerian film industry for over two decades, has featured in over 300 films, including ‘Queen of Hasso Rock’, ‘Wasted Effort’, ‘Pay Day’, ‘Lacrima’, ‘Stoneface in Love’, ‘Givers Never Lack’, ‘His Majesty’, ‘Yellow Fever, ‘My Destiny’, ‘Battle Of The Rich’, ‘Political Control’, ‘Touching Love’, ‘Total Control’, and ‘Last Confession’ amongst others.

Before his death, Oganiru held the role of Corporate Marketing Consultant to the Abuja Chapter of AGN, an Evangelist with the Davidic Order Ministry.

In 2012, the actor was embroiled in a controversy that saw the decline of his career. First, he was arrested for allegedly killing his wife in Abuja.

According to reports, Oganiru was arrested following a petition by the family and relations of his late wife, who claimed he poisoned her.