By Akodu Kabiru Olaniyi
The Nigerian entertainment scene was on this day, December 5, 2012, dealt a severe blow, as Enebeli Elebuwa, a famous actor, producer & a television personality, after a protacted illness finally succumbed to the ugly jaws of death. He was popularly known for playin’ d role of a king & title chief in several Nollywood films.
Born at Isumpe quarters, Utagba-uno, Ndokwa- West Local Government Area, northern part of Delta State,Enebeli who was highly regarded as a true professional &considered to have greatly contributed to d growth of Art in d country, first role in a movie was in Sanya Dosumu’s 1974, “Dinner With The Devil.”
One of the Nigerian prolific actors who has ac- ted in close to over 150 films,he was one d mo- st recognizable & respected faces in d evergro- wing Nigerian entertainment industry popularly known as Nollywood, the most popular film in- durstry on the continent of Africa as a whole.
Enebeli, a Nollywood Gallant & one of its found- ing members in d late 80s, his featured movies before his death includes “Royal War,” “Bent Ar- rows,” “Last Dance,” “My Blood,” “A Price To Pay,” “City Of Kings” & “Abuja Connection.”
A veteran actor, who also acts mostly in action & epic movies & has acted alongside other vet- erans such as Sam Dede, Justus Esiri, Kanayo O Kanayo, Pete Edochie, Alex Usifo, Olu Jacobs &Clems Ohamaze, amongst others,had also ac- ted in other major films such as, Jab Adu’s”Bisi Daughter Of The River” & Eddie Ugboma’s “Oye- nusi,” briefly in “Mirror In The Sun,” as well as in d popular television drama,”The Village Headm- aster.
Unfortunately, Enebeli suffered a major stroke which he battled at least, for 12 months. In his quest to receive healing, was taken to St Luke’s Hospital, Yaba Area of Lagos & when the actor wasn’t showing signs of improvement, he was taken to the Church of a controversial pastor, Sign Fireman, the General Overseer Of Perfect Christianity, Surulere, also in Lagos & d video of his healing at d Church went viral on YouTube, with the man claiming d actor has been healed of d illness, but, again no noticeable improvem- ent seen.
However, Elebuwa later got a life line from his home State Government, Delta, flown to India & was subsequently admitted into The Asian Ins- titute Of Medical Services, New Delhi, where he eventually died after some days, on 5th of Dec- ember, 2012 after being incapacitated by d illn- ess for almost a year.
He was laid to rest at Victoria Court Cemetery, Ajah. Aged 65, he was survived by his wife, Je- nnifer Elebuwa & four children namely, Zaygaz, Koliseyemnu, Odiache & Oyemike.
Many perhaps, will remember Enebeli Elebuwa, who was a recipient of national honor, Member Of The Federal Republic (MFR), more for playin’ the role of “Andrew” who was stopped at d airp-ort in his bid to “checkout” of d country in a go- vernment sponsored advertisement meant to encourage Nigerians to stay it out & join hands in d search for Nigerian solution. It was in 1984 under d millitary administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.May he continue to rest in peace.