The family of Obinna Nwafor, alias Saint Obi, the late Nollywood actor, has dismissed allegations that he suffered maltreatment from his wife, Lynda, describing same as ‘false and malicious.’
Recall that Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor, a journalist and actor who claimed to be a friend of the late Saint Obi, had in an article, narrated how the late actor’s wife and her siblings allegedly subjected him to various forms of abuse, including physical assault.
Okafor suggested that Saint Obi’s troubled marriage was responsible for his death, as according to him, he had reached out to his friends to narrate his ordeal before falling sick and eventually passing away recently.
However, the actor’s family in a statement made available to THE WITNESS on Thursday, defended his wife, noting that at no point did she mistreat their brother as claimed by Okafor.
The statement signed by Ugoeze Edith Chinyere Obichuku and Mrs. Freda Nwachukwu, two elder sisters of the late actor, on behalf of the Nwafor Family of Umuezealaeze, Alaenyi, Ogwa, Mbatoli L.G.A, Imo State, reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to the publication by one Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor concerning the death of our son, Mr. Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, and the accompanying negative commentary in social and other media 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 also views the said article by Mr. Okafor 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 therein 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 funeral rites will be communicated to the public in due course.
“May the soul of our dearly beloved brother, son, father and husband, rest in perfect peace. Amen.”