The quiet town of Oria, Abraka in Delta State was a beehive of activities, as top Nollywood stars heralded by Urhobo-Isoko in Nollywood actors’ guild of Nigeria, AGN, other dignitaries and associations stormed the place to witness the committing to mother earth, the remains of veteran actor, Chief Justus Esiri.
The quiet town of Oria, Abraka in Delta State was a beehive of activities, as top Nollywood stars heralded by Urhobo-Isoko in Nollywood actors’ guild of Nigeria, AGN, other dignitaries and associations stormed the place to witness the committing to mother earth, the remains of veteran actor, Chief Justus Esiri.The burial rites started at 10:00 am, with a commendation mass and a lying-in-state at the Polo Turf in Abraka, where well-wishers and friends had the final glimpse of the Village headmaster before the body was moved to his country home in the same town for internment.Thereafter, it was a carnival of sort as entertainment of guests followed. Though the town people gave a good show that the ceremony was theirs, the crème de la crème of Nollywood stole the day as they came well organised and not without the pomp with which they are well known.The late Thespian died on February 19, 2013 at the age of 71 following complications from diabetes. The Delta State contingent was led by the Deputy Governor of the State, Professor Amos Utuama (SAN) who brought a message of condolence from his boss, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan delivered to the family of the late theatre icon represented by the wife, Mrs Omiete Esiri; son, Dr. Sidney Esiri (known as Dr. Sid); Mrs Ophelia Edewor, daughter; Mrs Boyowa Efijomueh, daughter and other children.President Goodluck Jonathan was ably represented by Mr Oronto Douglas who led a delegation of Special Assistants and other government functionaries.