‘Justus’ death isn’t Nollywood’s but Africa’s loss – RMD

Richard Mofe Damijo: it was with utmost shock. It was my governor who first broke the news to me at about 6am when he called to ask if I have heard about his death and confirmed it to me. I then spoke to his son and daughter whom I have known from childhood and they […]

Richard Mofe Damijo: it was with utmost shock. It was my governor who first broke the news to me at about 6am when he called to ask if I have heard about his death and confirmed it to me. I then spoke to his son and daughter whom I have known from childhood and they also confirmed it. It is a very sad moment for me and many others. As you will recall, we just finished the burial of Enebeli Elebuwa and all through the ceremonies we had for late Elebuwa, he was with me. He attended all the ceremonies; he was at the candle light, tribute night, service of songs and he was among the few people that also came to the church service.
He was appreciative of what the government did for Enebeli and he promised that he will come and see us officially, only to be told that he was dead. So it has been a complete shock to me. One of my junior colleagues was supposed to see him today at 12 noon because they spoke yesterday at 11 in the evening. For someone that has shown a very close relationship with others, his death has been devastating.
Was he ill?
You know I can’t really say for sure if he was ill lately. But he has been dealing with an ailment which by the time I saw him at the Enebeli funeral, he said he was fine and better as he had just come back from a treatment which went well. He looked well so I wouldn’t say he was ill. He was bubbling and very agile.
The two of you were said to be very close; so how would you describe him?
He was a father figure to me because he was very caring.  He had this way of paying special attention to me. Anytime I was with him he wouldn’t allow me to drink cold water. He would always tell me to be moderate on what I do and he always cautioned me on whatever I do. He would always tell me to exercise and always encouraged me to play golf. He was a sort of person who took special attention in keeping fit. He never put on weight and tried not to do anything that would harm his body. He was such a fatherly figure not just to me alone but to everybody. He was very humble despite all the things he had achieved in life. He treated me in particular as a younger brother. Apart from the fact that I have known him all most all my life, I practically grew up with the Esiris in Warri. We behave like relations even though there is no blood link between us.
Can anyone replace or fit into the shoes of Justus Esiri in the Nigerian entertainment industry?
Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry have lost one of the finest icons we can ever think of. The loss is not a Nollywood’s but that of Nigeria and Africa at large. His place in the industry is not one that can be easily filled by anyone. He played a vital role in the Nigerian entertainment industry and had his own characteristics. It will be hard to say his place in the industry can be filled. Everyone has his own unique creativity in the industry and his was one of a kind. His loss is truly a blow to the Nigerian entertainment industry.