The Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has described the death of the Veteran Actor, Samuede Arase Efeimwokiyeka, a.k.a. Sam Loco Efe, as a monumental loss to the whole nation especially the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Sam Loco reportedly died at Rapport Owerri, Imo State, where he was editing a film, titled “Unknown Prophet,” which he was said to be the director. The film was said to have been produced by Favour Ogosi.

NICO News gathered that late Sam Loco, who died at the age of 66, was said to have told his crew to have a rest after they had worked for a long time, so that they continue the next day; but when the crew members were ready for the editing to continue the next day, they waited for him but to no avail.

Reports have it that they went to his hotel room and knocked without response, they opened the door to discover that he was dead; and that the cause of his death is not yet known as he was said to have slumped.

Reacting to news of the sudden demise of the veteran actor, Dr. Ayakoroma said: “It is a monumental loss to the theatre industry and the whole nation. Sam Loco is one of the few talented and well-trained persons in the industry that had proved himself anywhere. He has died at a time the entertainment industry needed his experience most, especially the young ones in the industry.”

Commiserating with family on behalf of the Management and Staff of NICO, Ayakoroma, who is a close friend of Sam Loco Efe, alias “Igwe of Macdavos Autonomous Community,”  was a man of many parts who excelled both on stage and the screen.

Prof. Dapo Adelugba, renowned theatre director and former teacher at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, who also reacted to the death of Sam Loco, said the multitalented actor played the lead role of Akarogun in Wale Ogunyemi’s Langbodo, which he (Adelugba) directed during FESTAC ‘77.

The eminent professor told NICO News on phone: “It is right to say that he is a multitalented actor. He was in the production of Nigeria’s entry in FESTAC’77. He played the role of Akaraogun. He was committed to that role. He was an experienced actor, who knows how to develop his role. He is really a cordial person and really has sense of humour. He looks at a brighter side of life despite the challenges he may have in life. It is very sad we lost him.”

Sam Loco Efe, who hailed from Edo State, was born in Enugu, but he spent his childhood in Abakaliki, where the motivation and passion for the stage started. He had played many roles on television, film and stage.


Nwagbo Nnenyelike and Enock Etimighan
Corporate Affairs