Veteran Nollywood actor Davis Ofor, popularly known for his role as Clarus in the iconic 1980s sitcom New Masquerade, has died.
The news of his passing was announced by fellow actor Tony Akposheri in an emotional post shared on Instagram.
Akposheri expressed shock and sadness over the death of the veteran actor, revealing that they had recently spent time together during the New Year celebrations.
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According to him, they laughed, shared memories, and discussed plans for the future, unaware that it would be their last meeting.
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“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Ofor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone,” Akposheri wrote.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead.
“We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.”
The actor’s death has come as a shock to fans of the legendary television series, many of whom grew up watching his memorable performances.
Davis Ofor became a household name through his portrayal of Clarus, one of the most beloved characters in New Masquerade.
The sitcom, which aired in the 1980s and early 1990s, remains one of Nigeria’s most successful and influential television productions.
Created during a period when Nigerian television was still developing, New Masquerade quickly gained popularity because of its humour, relatable storylines, and unforgettable characters.
The show featured some of the biggest names in Nigerian entertainment, including Chika Okpala, who played Chief Zebrudaya, and Claude Eke, who starred as Jegede Shokoya.
Among these famous characters, Clarus stood out for his comic timing and unique personality.
Ofor’s performance made him one of the most recognisable faces on Nigerian television.
His role brought laughter into many homes and helped shape the golden era of Nigerian television comedy.
For many viewers, Clarus was more than just a character. He represented a period of innocence, family entertainment, and shared national culture.
As news of his death spread, tributes began pouring in from colleagues, fans, and members of the entertainment industry.
Many described him as one of the pioneers of Nigerian comedy and a performer whose contributions to television will never be forgotten.
Tony Akposheri, who appeared particularly close to the late actor, described him as more than a colleague.
“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space,” he wrote.
He added that it was difficult to believe that someone so full of life could be gone so suddenly.
“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell,” Akposheri said.
The actor concluded his tribute with a final farewell to his long-time friend.
“Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten.”
Although the cause of Davis Ofor’s death has not yet been disclosed, his passing has reopened conversations about the immense contribution made by veteran actors to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Over the years, many of the stars who built the foundation of Nollywood and early television have passed away, leaving behind memories that continue to live on through their work.
Fans on social media have also been sharing clips and photographs of Ofor from his days on New Masquerade.
Several users recalled watching the sitcom with their parents and grandparents, describing the late actor as an important part of their childhood.
Others praised him for helping to create one of the few television programmes that united Nigerians across different backgrounds.
One fan wrote that Clarus was “a legend whose jokes never grew old”, while another described him as “one of the last symbols of classic Nigerian television”.
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