March 1, 2024, was a black Friday for the movie industry as popular actor, Quadri Oyebamiji, aka Sisi Quadri, passed away at the age of 44.
The actor was said to have had persistent hiccups, which were caused by a kidney-related ailment while in his hometown in Iwo, Osun State.
Toyin Olaiya, the immediate past governor of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners in Osun State, told one of our correspondents that the deceased took ill while working on a movie set.
Olaiya, who was the leader of the first theatre group Sisi Quadri was said to have joined in Iwo, Osun State, noted that it never occurred to him that the end was near for Quadri.
This was even as distraught mourners thronged ‘Ile Ago Ogunde’, the Iwo residence of the deceased’s father, Alhaji Jimoh Oyebamiji, aka Yagofeesu, weeping and lamenting the untimely death of the thespian.
On his part, the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, described the late Quadri’s death as shocking and devastating.
A statement signed by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, read in part, “Sisi Quadri was a delight to watch in movies. He was a great talent who illuminated homes, and imparted valuable messages. With his demise, the memory of the wonderful moments he created on the scenes, and more, the comical relief he inspired through his works will reverberate for years.”
Quadri’s death came barely a year after he lost his mother on February 22, 2023.
The actor was well known for how he insulted people while speaking very fast in movies and skits.
Reacting to the sad news, an actress, Abiola Adebayo, wrote on her Instagram page, “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all of your loved ones.”
The president of the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan, aka Mr Latin, also mourned the late actor on Instagram, praying to God to grant him eternal rest.
Another popular actor, Saidi Balogun, simply wrote, “RIP Sisi Quadri.”
Popular actor, Odunlade Adekola, also posted a picture of the deceased and wrote, “This is so sad. RIP Sisi Quadri.”
Other entertainers who have mourned the actor on social media include Dayo Amusa, Bimbo Ademoye and KieKie.
Fans were also not left out as they expressed sorrow and disbelief.
A fan, baro_qaah, wrote, “I just watched him in ‘Anikulapo’ now, and he played the role of a ghost.”
Gelebymidestarz wrote, “What killed him? Premature death will not be our portion. This is bad news.”
When one of Punch correspondents reached out to actress, Wunmi Toriola, she was in tears, as she stated that she was too distraught to give a tribute just yet.
She said, “I am still in shock. It is too early to give a tribute. You people (journalists) should wait first before wanting to make money from the news.”