The family of late veteran Nigerian movie star, Saint Obi, has debunked allegations that the actor suffered in his marriage.
They said this in reaction to a tribute written by Zik Zulu, a filmmaker. In the piece, he alleged that the actor faced a wave of attacks in his marriage by his wife’s brothers, which resulted in him leaving his marital home.
In the tribute, Zulu claimed Obi’s marriage to Lynda Saint-Nwafor kept him away from his friends and Nollywood.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, the family of Obi described Zulu’s claims as “false, malicious and insensitive.”
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The Saint Obi I Knew And What His Friends And Colleagues Owe Him
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the publication by Zik Zulu Okafor concerning our son, Obinna Nwafor popularly known as Saint Obi.
“And the negative commentary portraying his widow in an unfair and most defamatory manner. This is in no way, shape or form an accurate portrayal of the Lynda that we know and relate with.
“The Nwafor family views the said article as sad and most unfortunate. It was neither written in consultation with any member of the family nor authored with our consent or authority.
“We totally disassociate ourselves from it. The views and allegations contained there in are entirely the opinion of the writer.
“They are false, malicious and insensitive to the wife, children and entire family he left behind.
“This is a mourning period for the family, and while we appreciate the condolences of friends, fans, and well-wishers, we ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Daily Trust had reported how the thespian died at the Jos University Teaching Hospital while battling an illness.
Born on November 16, 1965, the Nigerian actor was famed for his roles in movies like Candle Light, Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire, Executive Crime and Last Party.