The family of Saint Obi has broken silence on the actor’s death and the allegations trailing his demise.
Obi was rumoured to have died on May 7.
Zik Zulu, the filmmaker, had put out a tribute where he gave his thoughts on the circumstances surrounding his death.
In the tribute — which Zulu confirmed to TheCable Lifestyle was written by him — the filmmaker claimed Obi’s marriage to Lynda Saint-Nwafor kept him away from his friends and Nollywood.
The filmmaker also alleged that the actor faced a wave of attacks in his marriage by his wife’s brothers, which resulted in him leaving their marital home.
“Their marriage was quick. He barely told us that he found a wife. But more tragic is the fact that his marriage did not only take Obinna away from his friends, it took him away from Nollywood,” Zulu had said.
But on Thursday, the family of Obi released a statement describing Zulu’s claims as “false, malicious and insensitive.”
The family said the portrayal of Obi’s wife by Zulu is “unfair and in no way, shape or form an accurate” representation of who she is.
While confirming the actor’s death, the family said the funeral rites will be communicated to the public in due course.
They also asked that their privacy be respected at this “mourning time”.
“Our attention has been drawn to the publication by Zik Zulu Okafor concerning our son, Obinna Nwafor popularly known as Saint Obi,” the statement reads in part.
“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.”
The 57-year-old actor ventured into acting in 1996 via a TV commercial.
In 2001, Obi produced his first movie titled ‘Take Me to Maama’.
The ace actor starred in over 60 movies.
