LATE JUSTUS ESIRI (OON): OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM FAMILY

We are heartbroken as we announce the passing of Chief Justus Esiri OON popularly known as the “Village Headmaster”, following a complication from Diabetes.

Chief Justus Esiri OON, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. An Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), The Otun Amuludun of the Source in Ile-Ife Osun State, and Veteran Nollywood Actor.

He died in the late hours of the 19th of February 2013. Chief Esiri, born on the 6th November 1942 hailed from Oria Abraka, Delta State. He was a strong believer in family values, and a great supporter of Nollywood.

While we mourn the loss of a great man we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to the youth to work hard to achieve their dreams, and play their own part in building a greater nation.

For those who may ask what they can do to honour Chief Justus Esiri, we simply request that you honour his example of service, accomplishment and modesty and the next time you turn on your Television and see his face we ask that you keep his memory alive.

He survived by wife, Mrs Omiete Esiri, Children, Mrs Ophlia Edewor, Mrs Ejiro Efijemueh, Mr Justus Esiri Jnr, Dr Sidney Esiri (Dr Sid), Mr Andrew Esiri, Miss Tobor Esiri and Grand Children.

Dr. Sidney Esiri and George Esiri

For the Esiri Family.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THE LEGEND

Born on 20 November 1942 in Oria-Abraka, Delta State, Esiri attended Urhobo College Effurun in the then Bendel State, Warri.

He also attended the Maximillan University, Munich, German, 1964, Prof. Weners Institute of Engineering, West Berlin, 1967 and the Ahrens School of Performing Arts, 1968.

It is believed he started his acting career in Germany. He was the only Nigerian male performing on stage between 1968 and 1969.

According to reports, he also worked for Voice of Nigeria, German Service as a translator; and it was while performing on stage in Germany that a delegation from Nigeria invited him home to perform in a government sponsored programme. He never returned to Germany.

Soft-spoken but firm, Esiri was a fun-loving and scandal-free actor who brought respect and regard for a profession that was for many years looked down on by the Nigerian society.

And it is no surprise that one of his sons is today a leading entertainer in his own rights, making music that’s making millions happy. Dr. Sid, one of Esiri’s sons who broke the news of his death, spent years studying to become a dentist, before dumping his certificate and facing music.

With son Dr. SID

‘I just called him and told him both the negative and positive aspects of the entertainment industry and he has to be focused. I scolded but gave him my blessing and he picked up.’, Esiri once said of his son’s choice.

He had six children with his Kalabari wife Omiete.

A recipient of the Nigerian national honour, THEMA Awards, NTA Honours Awards and AMAA Awards, amongst many others, he was a greatly decorated performer who won accolades home and abroad for his talent, hard-work and consistency.

Justus Esiri, 70, was an avid golfer.