‘Clarus’ (1941 - 2026)
Veteran actor Davis Offor was better known by his stage name ‘Clarus.’ He played the character Clarus Mgbeojikwe, a mischievous houseboy, in ‘The New Masquerade,’ widely considered Nigeria’s first and
- •Veteran actor David Offor quits the stage
Veteran actor Davis Offor was better known by his stage name ‘Clarus.’ He played the character Clarus Mgbeojikwe, a mischievous houseboy, in ‘The New Masquerade,’ widely considered Nigeria’s first and most iconic sitcom.
The TV comedy series, aired on the national television network of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s, catapulted him into stardom, perhaps beyond his imagination. For nearly two decades, it was the “must-watch” Tuesday night programme, setting the gold standard for the Nigerian comedy shows that followed.
The show dealt with a variety of subjects, including social problems and the effect of government policies, while promoting unity in diversity and core social values. The cast was multi-ethnic, and communicated in Nigerian Pidgin, Standard English and indigenous languages.
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He played the role of a witty street-smart servant in the series, and spoke a fast-paced, rhythmic Nigerian Pidgin. He was a deeply relatable character for millions of viewers across the country. “Comedy was a huge talent I had, and I went for it,” he said.
Beyond acting, he was also a scriptwriter and producer for the series. “When I recall the scripts I wrote in those days, I had all the fun writing them,” he recalled in an interview.
His exit on April 7, at the age of 85, further depleted the original ‘New Masquerade’ cast, joining other late greats like James Iroha (Giringory), Claude Eke (Jegede Shokoya), Christy Essien-Igbokwe (Apena), and Lizzy Evoeme (Ovuleria). He was from Itu in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
Before becoming a household name on television, he was an electrical/mechanical engineering technician at the Nigerian Railway Corporation in Enugu.
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A self-taught performer, he honed his craft through radio and television drama. He began his journey in the early 1970s with the radio programme ‘In the Lighter Mood’ on the East Central State Broadcasting Corporation (ECBS), which evolved into the televised ‘The New Masquerade.’
Offor’s life later took a profoundly spiritual turn. He was in 1989 ordained as a minister in The Aetherius Society in London, and ultimately moved away from the limelight to focus on his faith.
He explained that he left the stage because “I felt it was time to pay attention to the call to become a minister for God. In comedy, I was entertaining the world… But the entertainment I am giving now is to spread the truth to the world.”
He faced significant health challenges, including visual impairment that lasted for many years. However, he continued serving as a minister and spreading the teachings of his church.
In 2008, he was in the spotlight following his appearance on the popular game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (Nigeria), as part of a special “celebrity” or veteran edition of the show. He was invited primarily because of the public’s awareness of his health struggles and his legendary status.
Winning the N1 million prize money on the show was a significant moment in his life. There was an unexpected twist when, shortly after the win, in interviews conducted in early 2009, he revealed that he did not keep the money for his own personal comfort or for his medical treatments. Instead, he donated the entire money to his church, The Aetherius Society, to assist with a building project.
Many Nigerians were stunned by the decision, as there had been several public appeals to help him with his failing sight. However, he stated that he had “no regrets” and that the donation was an act of spiritual devotion.
Beyond the comedic artistry that earned him national acclaim, he will be remembered for the resilience he displayed in the face of incapacitating challenges.
