Okowa, Other Nigerians React to Sammie Okposo’s Death

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, joined multitude of Nigerians in paying tribute to the departed gospel act.

“The news of “Sammie Okposo’s death has been shocking. This is because he was a valued asset to Delta State and Nigeria – especially as his songs continue to inspire many to worship our Heavenly Father.

“As we mourn his passing and celebrate his impact while he was here on earth, we pray that the Almighty God will accept the deceased’s soul and give fortitude to his family and friends.”

Reacting to the news via his Twitter handle, the lead pastor of The Elevation Church, Goodman Akinlabi @PGeeman wrote: “Saddens me to hear of the passing of @sammieokposo. He blessed our world with his God-given gift and left indelible marks on earth. I sympathize with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, my brother.”

Lawyer, social activist, creative industry expert and co-founder/Executive Vice Chairman, Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori @audu wrote: “Rest in peace to the great @sammieokposo! You lived an impactful if short life. May history not forget your contributions to the Nigerian music industry and for taking gospel music to another level!”

On his part, renowned Nollywood actor, poet, sculptor, and writer of the famous Anthology of Modern Igbo Verse, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor better known as Okey Ogunjiofor, on his Facebook page, said “It is indeed a sad day for Nollywood! He was a maestro on the keyboard, a master composer, and a consummate artist.

“In 1995 he did the soundtracks of two of my television soap opera pilots titled: “Winners & Losers” starring RMD and Liz Benson, “Ups & Downs” starring late Sam Loco Efe and late Enebeli Elebuwa. Years later these two soaps became “Rough Edges”, and “Cyberia, Land of Illusion”.

“And then, in 1997 did another soundtrack for my feature film titled “When Flowers Turn Black” starring Uche Macaulay, Justus Esiri and Charles Ifeduba. These were way back before he ventured into the music ministry where he equally left a golden mark for the kingdom.

“Words failed me when my wife gave me this sad news today, I called a few friends, turned to FB for confirmation and it became clear that Sam Okposo has gone to be with the Lord.

“Go in the blaze of glory Sammy. Yes, the industry will miss you greatly, but we’re consoled that you didn’t miss your Maker whom you served so well. Adieu my brother!”

Taking to his Twitter handle, entrepreneur, lawyer, motivational speaker and Internet business consultant, Dr Ope Banwo @opebanwo wrote: “Sammie Okposo takes a final bow. I mourn the passing of a friend and worshiper per excellence. Like David, @sammieokposo was a man desperately after God’s heart even as he struggled with his humanity like all of us. We thank God for his life and pray for loved ones left behind.”

Shocked by the news, gospel singer, songwriter, recording and performing artiste, Ada Ogochukwu Ehi simply known by her stage name Ada Ehi @AdaEhiMoses. “This afternoon we were hit by the sad news that Bro Sammie Okposo has transitioned. Shocked but we are consoled in the hope that he is alive in the presence of his Maker and God. We pray for the comfort of the Holy Ghost for his family, everyone directly affected by his passing.”

Actress Omoni Oboli@omonioboli wrote: “Just a couple of weeks ago in the US, we hung out. Even when you were feeling sleepy, and practically falling asleep, you refused to leave Ufuoma and I. We gisted till early hours of the morning, laughed till our sides were sore! Sing with the angels bro. Arrrrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhh I don’t want to be mourning! God!!! Pls darling Jesus. Have mercy Lord”

Ovation Magazine International publisher and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu @delemomoduovation wrote: “It is always so sad to hear sad news about a loved one… SAMMIE OKPOSO (left) and I have come a long way and we shared many fond memories… I’m still too devastated to say much for now… He was one of the greatest Gospel Singers on Planet Earth.

“Now, I have lost a very dear Brother who endlessly showered me with love… In the middle of this picture taken decades ago was JAIYE ABODERIN whose death shook the world in 2004… May their beautiful souls rest in peace.”

Actor, lawyer and former Delta State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) @mofedamijo wrote: “This was exactly a month ago in the US. We spent 2 weeks together and fellowshipped as men. Ate, drank and, as I’m known to do, teased you. Toks or Jedi, would drive you to me and we would spend the entire day together. Made plans for the new year… yet here I’m struggling and looking for words to capture our relationship.

“Sam Okpoooo as only me can call you, this was not the plan o. This one pain me enter blood. My Prayers are with your family as you Rest in power, peace and praise”

Minister Nathaniel Bassey @nathanielblow wrote: “News of Our Brother’s passing, Minister Sammy Okposo, hit me really hard this morning. Still dazed. Pray God’s comfort and strength for the immediate family, friends, and colleagues.”

Actress Empress Njamah @empressnjamah queried: “Sammy why? Why ohhhhh, answer me, this cut is too DEEP, so many questions that needs answers, after calling to pray for me on my birthday you didn’t tell me it was the last time we will speak, REST IN PEACE @sammieokposo”

Veteran journalist, author, and founder and director of The Journalism Clinic, Taiwo Obe @araisokun wrote: “Sad to hear about the death of Sammie Okposo. He was one of those younger fellas who my company, Taijo Wonukabe Ltd, called upon for voice-over jobs and they carried no shoulder, as they say on the streets. May his soul find peace.”

President Hoodlums @2muchdrags said. “Sammie Okposo’s songs will live forever in the minds of men; his songs are globally known. Rest In Peace King.”

S.A.L.A.K.O @UnkleAyo wrote: “Unarguably the Patriarch of High-Praise in the Nigerian gospel circle. Muscling consistency for three decades is a true testament of talent. Death is the debt that we inevitably all have to pay – now, you’ve paid yours in full & can now rest. Rest on, Sammie Okposo.”

The Rose @Rosecleek said, “I will always remember and be grateful to Sammie Okposo for “Na only You”. That song was my light through the darkest hour. I’d cry, pray, worship, mime and meditate with it, and when I couldn’t pray, it gave me just the words. You made your mark. Rest in Peace sir.”

Though seyiweli_official @seyiw_official may not have known the worship leader in person, “but I had fallen in love with most of your songs. Why we count yours a loss on the earth, I am certain that Heaven counts it again. Now you can worship with the angels! RIP@sammieokposo.”

For OrayeEsq @OrayeEsq, “The church is a place for healing. It is not only for healthy people. It is also a place to get healthy. As we mourn the passing of @sammieokposo may we reflect deeply on the true purpose of the church and be more welcoming of the broken, sick and needy than ostracizing them.”

Meanwhile, Ex-Chief Editor at GoalAfrica, Shina Oludare @sportingshina took a different dimension with her post as he wrote: “Many of you who trolled and abused Sammie Okposo are now the first set of mourners typing: ‘RIP Okposo’. It’s an odd world. Fake love everywhere!”

Corroborating Oludare, The Incredible Counselor @cheynahzar also wrote: “Now everyone is typing ‘Rest in peace Sammie Okposo’, but y’all trolled him and dragged life out of him because he cheated. I don’t think he ever remained the same after all that went down that period. We don’t know the extent these trolls can take somebody. It’s a cold world.

MayBeks @Maybeks said, “I believe the January incident and social media endless trolling to the point he limited comments on his IG account took a toll on Sammie Okposo. We need to end the devilish trolling and canceling of people on social media. The cancel culture is fast becoming a plague.”