Justus Esiri

Justus Esiri (1942–2013) was a Nigerian actor known for playing Chief (later Obarisi) in the television series The Village Headmaster and for his work in Nollywood.

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The Village Headmaster: A Nigerian television drama series centered on a village headmaster and the community around him. Esiri became widely known for playing the village chief in this long-running series.
Pete Edochie: A Nigerian actor known for roles in television and films, including Things Fall Apart. Edochie and Esiri are prominent actors associated with Nigerian adaptations and screen drama.
National Honours Award (Nigeria): Nigeria’s system of national distinctions recognizing contributions to the country. Esiri received the Officer of the Order of the Niger in 2012.
University of Ibadan: A public research university in Ibadan, Nigeria, founded in 1948. Esiri studied drama there before pursuing a professional acting career.
Nollywood: The Nigerian film industry, known for producing films in English and Nigeria’s many languages. Esiri’s later screen career included prominent work in Nigeria’s film industry.
Sam Loco Efe: A Nigerian actor and comedian whose career spanned television, theatre, and film. Efe was a contemporary Nigerian performer whose screen career overlapped with Esiri’s.
Nigerian television: Television broadcasting and programming produced in Nigeria. The Village Headmaster made Esiri a familiar figure across Nigerian television audiences.
Drama education: Formal study of acting, theatre, and dramatic production. His university drama training provided a foundation for work across stage and screen.
King of Boys: A 2018 Nigerian political crime film written and directed by Kemi Adetiba. Esiri appeared in this Nollywood film, released five years after his death.
Akin Ogungbe: A Nigerian actor and theatre producer associated with Yoruba traveling theatre. Ogungbe represents the theatrical tradition that shaped generations of Nigerian actors, including Esiri.