Nollywood and the entertainment world are in shock following the death of actor, comedian and online content creator Odira Nwobu, who reportedly passed away on November 24, 2025, in South Africa. He was 43 years old.
According to the actor’s lawyer and the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Nwobu was found unconscious in his hotel room in Benoni (near Johannesburg), reportedly “gasping for breath.” Paramedics were called, and despite attempts to resuscitate him using a defibrillator, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of his death, Nwobu — who had starred in more than 60 Nollywood films — was in South Africa as part of a group of social-media influencers on a promotional assignment for a real-estate firm.
Born in 1982 in Enugu, Nigeria, Nwobu began his acting career shortly after secondary school, securing his first professional role in the film Joseph the Dreamer. Over the years, his comedic roles and online skits helped him build a significant following. Beyond traditional film, he had also embraced digital content creation, gaining popularity on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. y days before his death, Nwobu reportedly experienced serious health concerns — suffering from palpitations and high blood pressure. He had, reportedly, missed taking his BP medication on the day of his death.
News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nigeria and beyond, with colleagues, fans and fellow entertainers expressing shock and sadness at the loss of a talented, youthful energy whose comedic timing and relatable persona endeared him to many.
An official post-mortem report has not yet been released. Authorities say the cause of death remains under investigation.
