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Zeb Ejiro Reacts To Saint Obi’s Burial Date, Reveals Last Conversation With Actor

Saint Obi

Nigerian Filmmaker Zeb Ejiro has reacted to the announcement of burial date for actor Saint Obi.

Naija News reported that the thespian died on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in the home of one of his siblings at 13 Metropolitan Street in Tudun Wada, Jos, Plateau State after a protracted illness.

According to the actor’s family, he will be buried in his hometown Umuezealaeze in Imo State on Friday, August 18, his family announced in a flyer that circulated on social media on Friday.

Reacting to the development, Zeb Ejiro, who featured Saint Obi for the first time in his 1998 movie Goodbye Tomorrow, posted the flyer on his Facebook page.

The man fondly called the Sheikh of Nollywood captioned his post “The Saint…it is so hard to take.”

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard after Saint Obi’s death, Zeb said the deceased called him two weeks before he died.

“I asked him where he had been; that everybody had been looking for him. That was when he told me that he had been down and was admitted to a hospital. He added that he had done multiple surgeries and his condition wasn’t improving. His elder sister then made arrangements to move him to Jos, where he could be given proper treatment. That was the last time we spoke, as I promised to reach out to him again. But I never did, as the next thing I heard was that Obi is no more.”

Like others close to Saint Obi, Ejiro added that the actor’s failed marriage to MTN executive Lynda Amobi contributed to his death.

“Obi told me a couple of times that his marriage was crumbling and it was eating him up. He was a family man, somebody that loved to stay with his kids and build a happy home.

“But when his marriage crumbled, it really affected him and he never recovered from the shock till death.” When a man is not together with his family, he will be depressed. No man wants to go into that kind of situation and be happy. So, that contributed to his death,” Ejiro said.

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Zeb Ejiro’s comeback continues with 90s hit Nollywood drama series ‘Ripples’

Zeb Ejiro's comeback continues with 90s hit Nollywood drama series 'Ripples'


Kicking off his comeback with Domitilla: The Reboot, the industry veteran’s next project is a sequel to his hit series, Ripples, followed by a remake of Sakobi.

Ejiro, who was the creator and producer of the original show, has recreated an updated version titled Ripples: New Generation.

The 2023 series picks up years after the 90s show, which first premiered on NTA in 1988, and aired for five years.

Ripples: New Generation begins 30 years after the initial show. The 13-part series kicks off with the death of the former matriarch, Leslie Dehinde-Philip.

Like the first show, the sequel is centred around the lives of the Dehinde-Phillips’ and their associates with the focus on Doris, Leslie’s granddaughter, who finds herself on the brink of inheriting the Dehinde-Phillips fortune and a staggering 75% share of DP Oil.

Raised to takeover as the CEO, Doris seems destined for greatness. However, beneath her seemingly perfect life, she yearns for something more elusive – freedom. Her grandmother’s last will affects her decisions about freedom and leaves her questioning everything.

Ripples: New Generation is set to explore the daunting challenges of oil spillage and the environmental consequences, the battle for freedom, and the need to succeed against all odds, features a diverse cast of actors.

Tope Olowoniyan takes on the lead role as Doris Dehinde-Philips, supported by Daniel Abua, Vine Olugu, Ian Wordi, Debby Felix, Lexan Peters, Francis Onwochei, and Mena Sodje.

Veteran actors Alex Usifo, Barbara Soky, Emeka Ossai, and Keppy Ekpeyong-Bassey are reprising their roles as Talab Abass, Daphne Wellington-Cole, Wale Okoya, and Admiral (formerly Captain) Hassan respectively.

On recreating his hit series, the founding father of Nollywood said, “I feel so happy that we have been able to create Ripples: The New Generation because today we have made history. Ripples is the only TV series or soap opera that was done thirty years ago and is back again. No other program has been able to achieve this. Yet, we are doing a mix of the old and new generation.”

Ripples: New Generation airs every Wednesday at 9 pm, exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv ch. 151).

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We Spoke Two Weeks Before His Demise – Zeb Ejiro Recounts Journey With Late Saint Obi

Meet Four Popular Nollywood Stars That Died In Space Of 2 Days

Nigerian  filmmaker, Zeb Ejiro has recounted his journey with the late Nollywood actor, Obinna Nwafor, popularly called Saint Obi.

Naija News reports that news about the actor’s demise broke last Saturday after battling an undisclosed ailment and he was said to have died on May 7, in the home of one of his siblings in Jos.

While reminiscing on how their paths crossed, Ejiro said Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) introduced Saint Obi to him in 1998.

The filmmaker said he spoke to the late actor two weeks before his demise and promised to reach out to him until the news of his sudden death broke last week.

Narrating the encounter, Ejiro, as gathered from Vanguard, said he was remaking his popular TV series in the 90s, ‘Ripples’, and had wanted Saint Obi to be part of the production.

However, for a week, he could not reach him so he proceeded to Ibadan for the production of the series.

Ejiro said “Two weeks before his demise, my phone rang and it was Saint Obi on the other end. I asked him where he had been; that everybody had been looking for him. That was when he told me that he had been down and was admitted to a hospital. He added that he had done multiple surgeries and his condition wasn’t improving. His elder sister then made arrangements to move him to Jos, where he could be given proper treatment. That was the last time we spoke, as I promised to reach out to him again. But I never did, as the next thing I heard was that Obi is no more.”

The filmmaker, who blamed Obi’s death on his failed marriage, noted that the actor couldn’t survive the shock living apart from his family.

He disclosed  that “Obi told me a couple of times that his marriage was crumbling and it was eating him up. He was a family man, somebody that loved to stay with his kids and build a happy home.

“But when his marriage crumbled, it really affected him and he never recovered from the shock till death.

“When a man is not together with his family, he will be depressed. No man wants to go into that kind of situation and be happy. So, that contributed to his death.”

It was however learnt that the late actor and his wife, Linda Amobi, got divorced last year after a running battle over the custody of their three children. The couple got married in 2006 and have three children, two boys and a girl, together.

Recalling how their paths crossed in the industry, Ejiro narrated that “We had completed casting and were getting ready to hit the location, when a tall handsome young man strolled into my office in Surulere.

“RMD was supposed to play the lead character, alongside Hilda Dokubo. We had concluded plans to commence production but, two weeks to hit location, RMD’s wife, Mee, passed on.

“It was obvious that RMD would not be part of the production after we had put everything in place. So, I was considering a lot of actors to replace RMD as he was bereaved.

“Suddenly, a well-built handsome guy, light in complexion, just walked into my office in Surulere and told me that somebody had directed him to me. But immediately I set my eyes on him, I told him that you were the one I was looking for. And he said wow!

“At that point, I didn’t know if he had acted in any film before, but I just asked him if he could fit into the role and he answered in the affirmative.


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“I immediately auditioned him, and he performed excellently well. That was the beginning of our story. The movie was a monster hit as Saint Obi acted alongside Dokubo. It was one of the best movies I have ever done in my life. That was my first contact with Saint Obi. After ‘Goodbye Tomorrow’, we did a lot of other movies together including “Candle Light”, TV series among others. Though Saint started his acting career in 1988, after starring in “Behind The Clouds,” a soap opera being shot in Jos.”

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‘I Swallowed My Pride And Called Zeb Ejiro’ – Ufuoma McDermott Celebrates 20 Years In Nollywood

Ufuoma McDermott

Nollywood actress, Ufuoma McDermott, has recounted her 20 years of journey in the Nollywood industry.

Naija News reports that the thespian in a post via Instagram on Friday narrated how she met veteran Nigerian filmmaker and producer, Zeb Ejiro.

According to her, she had envisaged going to Hollywood anytime she considers acting, however, things turned out differently.

The Delta state-born actress said she swallowed her pride and called Ejiro after bragging she would not join Nollywood and one month after the call she made her debut in acting.

Ufuoma added she is thankful to Zeb and everyone who has contributed to her sojourn in the film industry.

She wrote: “In October 2022, I met Zeb Ejiro at the office of a big brand manager. I was excited as I grew up watching almost everything he had produced and directed. He in turn stated that I would do well acting in Nigerian films. I took offense and said ‘Sir, when I decide to start acting, I’ll go straight to Hollywood. He handed me his card and responded calmly but clearly ‘Please remember me when you get there.

“2023, I had finished my year abroad at the French village Badagry but due to the just concluded AUU strike, I couldn’t resume my final year as my mates in other disciplines had not finished their 3rd year. There was no modeling or ushering jobs to keep me busy.

“I swallowed my pride and picked Zeb Ejiro’s card. A month after that call; 20 years ago, I started in my first Nollywood production, produced and directed by Zeb Ejiro. I celebrate Zev and every single person who has contributed to this journey of my sojourn as an actor, writer, producer and director.

“It’s been 20 years… In bravery & fears I haven’t gotten here alone. Many people have sown, I have been hurt Others, I’ve hurt.


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“I have learnt lessons from situations & persons. Still on this journey, I pray my path be sunny. This heart is grateful. This girl is thankful”

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Court tells Zeb Ejiro, Anne Njemanze to settle Domitilla copyright issue

The teaser for 'Domitilla: The Reboot' is coming this Friday!


The Registry, a Commercial Law Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, equally adjourned for ruling, if the parties in the dispute failed to reach an agreement of settlement.

Shefiu Adamu, the Registrar of the department, made the pronouncement at the resumed hearing of a petition filed by Ejiro, seeking revocation of a purported registration of ‘Domitilla and Device’ by Njemanze.

The petitioner is also seeking the expunging of the ‘Domitilla and Device’ entry from the Register of Trade Marks.

Domitilla is the title of a movie produced in 1996 by Zeb Ejiro, which starred Njemanze as the lead character.

The movie which also featured other veteran actresses such as Sandra Achums, Kate Henshaw and the late Ada Ameh, portrays the life of a young woman struggling to make ends meet as a Lagos prostitute.

A sequel, Domitilla 2, was also produced and released in 1999 by Ejiro, while a remake was released in 2023.

Years after the release of Domitilla 1 and 2, Njemanze reportedly trademarked the name ‘Domitilla and Device’ on September 16, 2020.

Ejiro, through his team of lawyers, led by Rockson Igelige, approached the registry to challenge the purported registration of the brand ‘Domitila and Device’ by Njemanze.

Igelige told the registry that the said trademark had been in use since 1996 by Ejiro in connection with films and matters which fell under class 41 of the Register of Trademarks in Nigeria.

Igelige said that both in 1996 and 1999, the petitioner employed and paid the applicant to act in his films Domitilla and Domitilla 2 adding that the applicant knew of the petitioner’s prior and continuous use of the name since 1996.

“The petitioner owns the statutorily protected copyright of the film scripts of Domitilla and Domitilla 2, which were handed to the applicant in the course of her engagement as an actress in 1996 and 1999 respectively.

“Since the respective release of the films in 1996 and 1999, the films have continuously been in the market, first in video cassettes, later in compact discs and now majorly as internet downloads all under the proprietary name of the petitioner.

“The applicant has no goodwill and reputation in the word, Domitilla, separate from her role in the films Domitilla and Domitilla 2, which are intellectual properties of the petitioner.

“The petitioner has continuously used Domitilla as a created film character and as the title of his films, Domitilla and Domitilla 2 since 1996 till date, thereby building strong goodwill and widespread reputation in the word.

“Domitilla in respect of the class of goods and services the applicant alleged to have applied for registration and or purport to have registered Domitilla & Device as a trade mark.

“The applicant’s alleged application for registration and or the purported registration of Domitilla & Device offends section 11 of the Trade Marks Act,” he said.

Igelige further said that the use of the trademark by Njemanze was likely to deceive or cause confusion and might bring a serious challenge to the petitioner to protect the name in the court of law.

He, therefore, urged the registry to cancel, revoke and expunge the purported registration of ‘Domitilla and Device’ from the Register of Trade Marks.

Marvin Ibem, the lawyer to Njemanze, told the registry that his client had filed a 98-paragraph reply against the petition to justify the registration.

He said that the petition lacked merit and urged the registry to trash it out in its entirety.

“I adopt our responses to the petition dated April 20, we urge the registry to dismiss the petition, the trademark has no jurisdiction to cancel the registration.

“The applicant has satisfied all requirements of the law to acquire the trademark,” Ibem stressed.

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Ann Njemanze demands ₦‎50 million from Zeb Ejiro over ‘Domitilla: The Reboot’

Ann Njemanze demands ₦‎50 million from Zeb Ejiro over 'Domitilla: The Reboot'


Premium Times reports the Nollywood actress is suing the legendary filmmaker along with Filmone Entertainment and Film Trybe Media.

Njemanze, who rose to fame after playing the titular character in the 1996 original film, trademarked the name, ‘Domitilla’ on September 16, 2020.

This was the same year that Zeb Ejiro Productions, FilmOne Entertainment, and Omoni Oboli’s Dioni Vision announced plans to make a sequel to the original movie.

In addition to the ₦‎50 million, Njemanze is also asking for ₦‎5 million for the cost of litigation and lawyers fees incurred, as well as for an order of injunction restraining the defendants or any other person from using her trademark (Domitila) or any other mark that is deceptively similar to the registered trademark.

While her legal representative, Bartholomew Aguegbodo, has reportedly declined to comment on the issue, he did confirm to Premium Times that the case is in court.

The case was filed in the Federal High Court of Nigeria with suit number FHC/L/CS/2305/2022.

The veteran filmmaker has reacted by serving the actress with a countersuit for ₦‎500 million.

He described her lawsuit as a gold-digging exercise in a statement of defence filed by his lawyers led by Rockson Igelige.

Speaking with Premium Times, Ejiro said, “I offered her ₦‎5m, not knowing she had gone behind me to trademark my intellectual property. I have been using the name for a long time. I have taken ‘Domitilla’ to film festivals all over the world. We had to abandon the script and start a new script. The next thing was she came with the police calling a thief in public. She even went with the police to FilmOne, our partner, to search their office. I tried to reach out to her, but she refused to pick up my calls. I had to ask the heads of different guilds to intervene.”

He also revealed that he did offer her a role in the remake.

In his words, “Now it’s time for a reboot, but because she is now much older, we decided to give her a role as the aunt to one of the characters, but she was asking for ₦17m for only five scenes.”

Ejiro and the other defendants have issued a statement denying her allegations.

“The 1st Defendant’s principal (Zeb Ejiro Productions Limited) has been using the word continuously since 1996 in marketing the films before the date of the Plaintiff’s alleged application for registration and or purported registration of ‘Domitilla & Device’ as a trade mark,” their defence reads.

According to Ejiro’s legal representative, Igelige, he has been instructed by the filmmaker to serve the actress with a countersuit for breach of confidence.

“We will be asking her for ₦‎500m for using confidential information that she has access to during her role as an actress in the production of ‘Domitilla’ 1 and 2,” he told Premium Times.

The reboot of ‘Domitilla’ is set to be released early next month. Like the original, it follows sex workers, four in particular—Ekwutosi, Fisayo, Promise, and Madam Vee—and the choices they make and the domino effects of their choices.

It stars Chiwetalu Agwu, Elvina Ibru, Onyinye Odokoro, Stan Nze, Teniola Aladese, Uzoamaka Doris Aniunoh, Ejiro Onojaife, Seun Ajayi, Okey Jude, Chioma Okafor, Chinyere Wilfred, and Sonny Mcdon.

For now, we do not know if this ongoing lawsuit will affect the release of ‘Domitilla: The Reboot,’ scheduled for release on April 7, 2023.

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