Justus Esiri

Justus Esiri (November 20, 1942 – February 19, 2013) was a veteran award winning Nigerian actor, generally considered to be one of the pillars of Nollywood with an acting career that goes way back to the 1960s. He came into prominence for his role in popular Nigerian Television Authority TV-series "The Village Headmaster" and the film adaptation of Chinua Achebe's book "Things Fall Apart".^[1] He won the African Movie Academy Awards post-humously in 2013 for his role in Assasins Practice and he was also honoured as the inaugural recipient of the Goodluck Jonathan Lifetime Achievement award at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards. The Nigerian government honoured him with a National honour (Member of the Order of the Niger, MON) for his contribution to the development of Film-Making in Nigeria. He is the father of popular Mavin Records Musician Dr Sid.^[2]

Early life and Career

Justus was born on the 20th of November 1942 in Oria-Abraka, Delta State. He then proceeded to Effunrun and attended Urhobo College, Bendel State. He left Nigeria for Germany for his higher education. Institutions he attended in Germany included Maximillan University, Munich, German(1964), Prof. Weners Institute of Engineering, West Berlin (1967) and the Ahrens School of Performing Arts (1968).^[3] While in Europe he began his acting career. He was working as a German translator for voice of Nigeria in Germany when he received an invitation home from the Nigerian Government to star in "The Village Headmaster" which he accepted.

Death and Legacy

Justus Esiri died on February 19, 2013 at the age of 70 in an hospital in Lagos, the cause of his death was said to be "complications from diabetes". A tribute Night at the National Stadium and a general Mass at St. Jude Catholic Church was organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria on Tuesday 9 April 2013 in Mafoluku, Lagos. His final journey was then concluded at a Service of Songs in Warri on 10 April then his body taking to his final resting in his hometown in Abraka. Several government functionalities,dignitories, celebrities and Entertainment executives like Kanayo O. Kanayo,Peace Anyiam-Osigwe (CEO of Africa Movie Academy Award), Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Rachael Oniga, Tunji Bamishigbin, Emem Isong, Desmond Elliot, Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, Fred Amata, Monalisa Chinda, Kelvin Ikeduba, Julius Agwu, Professor Amos Utuama (SAN)(Deputy Governor of the State), Representative of the president and many others all were present.^[4] He was also reputed to have performed on more TV network drama programmes than any other Nigerian actor. THEMA Awards, NTA Honours Awards and African Movie Academy Awards are among the several awards that he has received for his distinguished contribution to Nollywood. Justus has a widowed wife(Omiete) and 6 children including Dr Sid (a Medical surgeon turned musician). Popular Nollywood diva Kate Henshaw commented on his death saying "the industry is not mourning Esiri, but celebrating his life because he left a legacy worthy of emulation behind". Popular Nollywood actor Ernest Obi also said "he wasn’t just an actor or filmmaker; he was there for me when most people weren’t there. He was an enigma. One of the few people I invited to my marriage via text message and he came. He played the role of my father that day. He made that day the greatest of my life". Actors Guild of Nigeria President Ibinabo Fiberesima released an official statement saying "“With the incessant deaths occurring in the entertainment industry this year, it is high time we put a stop to it. We must surrender our lives to Almighty God, irrespective of our religious beliefs. Let’s come together and embark on prayers and commit our industry and practitioners to God. We need prayers".^[5]

Filmography

He has appeared in several Nollywood and TV productions including

• Wasted Years
• Forever
• The Prize
• Six Demons
• Corridors of Power
• Last Night, The Tyrant
• The Investigation
• The Ghost
• Assassin Practice

References