Enugu — The golden era of Nigerian television lost one of its most enduring pillars yesterday as Davis Ofor, the veteran actor who immortalized the character “Clarus” in the iconic sitcom The New Masquerade, passed away at the age of 85.
The news, which has sent shockwaves through the Nollywood community and among generations of fans, was confirmed on Tuesday by his longtime colleague and friend, Tony Akposheri (who played Zakky in the same series). In an emotional tribute shared via social media, Akposheri revealed that the duo had celebrated the crossover into 2026 together, unaware it would be their final meeting.
“We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come,” Akposheri wrote. “None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you. You were a man with warmth, humor, and a presence that could light up any space.”
The Voice of an Era
Ofor was a central figure in The New Masquerade, which dominated the airwaves on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Alongside the late James Iroha (Gringory) and Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya), Ofor’s portrayal of Clarus—one of the Chief’s mischievous house boys—became a masterclass in comedic timing and social commentary.
The show was more than entertainment; it was a unifying cultural force in post-civil war Nigeria, using satire to address national issues. Ofor’s “Clarus” provided the perfect foil to the grandiose “4-19” English of Chief Zebrudaya, earning him a place in the pantheon of African television legends.
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A Quiet Exit
In his later years, Ofor had retreated from the spotlight, occasionally battling health challenges typical of his age. In 2022, reports surfaced regarding his declining vision and financial state, prompting calls for better welfare for Nollywood’s founding fathers. Despite these hurdles, colleagues remember him as a man of profound dignity who remained hopeful about the future of the industry he helped build.
Details regarding funeral arrangements have not yet been released by the family. His passing marks the further thinning of the ranks of the original Masquerade cast, leaving behind a legacy of laughter that defined the childhoods of millions of Nigerians.
