Ethel Ekpe, the Nigerian actress known for her role as Segi in the iconic sitcom ‘Basi and Company’, has passed away.
The actress reportedly succumbed to cancer on Monday.
Ekpe’s demise was confirmed by Shaibu Husseini, director general of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), via Facebook.
Husseini praised Ekpe’s “inimitable interpretation” of Segi and her contributions to the success of ‘Basi and Company,’ which ran from 1986 to 1990 on Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).
He described her as a “good woman” and added that she would be “sorely missed”.
“(Ethel Aderemi nee Ekpe), the screen beauty that delighted fans with her inimitable interpretation of the role of Segi in the defunct sitcom on Nigerian Television Authority by Ken Saro Wiwa titled ‘Basi and Company’ has passed on,” he wrote.
“The actress and later day Pastor and star of Amaka Igwe’s ‘Forever’ and most recently ‘Sons of the Caliphate” reportedly died of Cancer today in Lagos.
“She will be sorely missed. My family will particularly miss her because we named my second daughter Ethel, after her. Good night, good woman!”
Her talent, charisma, and dedication to her craft resonated with audiences for decades.
Aside from ‘Basi and Company’, Epke was also known for her role in Aguila Njamah’s ‘Heartbeats’, ‘Sons of the Caliphate’, and ‘Forever’.