In the evening of Monday February 15, 2016, the Nollywood industry was thrown
into mourning with passing on of Mike Obi Nkemakonam Odiachi which sad event
occurred at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos state.
The news of the veteran actor’s demise was announced
by his family, Odiachi Family of Ogbeawo, in Ugbomanta Quarters, Asaba in
Oshimili South Local Government of Delta State.
An astute artiste whose talents saw him practice as an actor in all genre of theatre, Mike Odiachi is best remembered in his role as Innocent Man in "IGODO" a pioneer adventure movie in the now world renown Nollywood. He performed and toured with the National Troupe of Nigeria in Ahmed Yerima's "ATTAHIRU" but his most memorable theatrical adventures were in his days as a member of the Anansa Playhouse in the 1980s. Influenced by great theatrical minds like Bassey Effiong, Barclays Ayakoroma, Rowland Henshaw, Richard Mofe Damijo, Ehi Omokhuale, Francis Onwochei, Ngozi Nwosu, among others, Mike decided on a professional career and headed for the University of Ibadan (UI) to study Theatre Arts. At UI, Mike was an integral part of the movement for a relevant Nigerian students Theatre practice in NUTAF (Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Festival). It was no surprise therefore, that he was an active member in the movements that led to the formation of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP). He became the Chairman of NANTAP Lagos chapter in the year 2000. Mr. Odiachi was a pioneer member of cast of the world famous "Story Story" produced by the BBC World Service, where he voiced the Linus Igbokwe character. Mike Odiachi would forever be remembered for his stage interpretation of 'Odewale' in Ola Rotimi's "The Gods Are Not To Blame".
An astute artiste whose talents saw him practice as an actor in all genre of theatre, Mike Odiachi is best remembered in his role as Innocent Man in "IGODO" a pioneer adventure movie in the now world renown Nollywood. He performed and toured with the National Troupe of Nigeria in Ahmed Yerima's "ATTAHIRU" but his most memorable theatrical adventures were in his days as a member of the Anansa Playhouse in the 1980s. Influenced by great theatrical minds like Bassey Effiong, Barclays Ayakoroma, Rowland Henshaw, Richard Mofe Damijo, Ehi Omokhuale, Francis Onwochei, Ngozi Nwosu, among others, Mike decided on a professional career and headed for the University of Ibadan (UI) to study Theatre Arts. At UI, Mike was an integral part of the movement for a relevant Nigerian students Theatre practice in NUTAF (Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Festival). It was no surprise therefore, that he was an active member in the movements that led to the formation of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP). He became the Chairman of NANTAP Lagos chapter in the year 2000. Mr. Odiachi was a pioneer member of cast of the world famous "Story Story" produced by the BBC World Service, where he voiced the Linus Igbokwe character. Mike Odiachi would forever be remembered for his stage interpretation of 'Odewale' in Ola Rotimi's "The Gods Are Not To Blame".
In his bid to be closer home and also foster a relevance to the bourgeoning film industry - Nollywood, Mike moved his base from Lagos to Asaba. Before his transition to the world beyond, he had taken part in over 80 movies, several Television series (including Super Story, Scam Files, Lekki Wives, etc) and several Grade A stage plays.
A Service of Songs / Artistes Night will be held on Tuesday 23rd February 2016 at his residence at : New Covenant Estate, Ayeberi, Gbaga Junction, Off Ijede Roed, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
His remains leaves Lagos thereafter for further funeral rights at his home town of Asaba, Delta State.
Mike Odiachi is survived by an aged mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles, aunts and friends. May his soul find more than an artistic rest in Lord's bosom.
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