'Celebrate My Dad' – Gringory's Son Tells Nigerians

By Joseph Akahome

Reactions have continued to trail the recent passing on of James Iroha, one of Nigeria’s veteran comedic actors and creator of the hugely popular satirical comic series, Masquerade. Iroha, popularly called ‘Gringory’, after his popular character in the rested soap, died at an Umuahia (Abia State) hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, February 28, 2012 after a brief illness.

His second son Uche James-Iroha, who confirmed the incident, has however pleaded with Nigerians not to be disheartened by the loss.

‘I believe my father would not want Nigerians to be downcast. People should celebrate because when he was here, he always said he did his work well. Whenever he looked at the movie industry he was happy about the growth and felt proud because he had an influence in its development’. James-Iroha, a photographer said.

Chika Okpala, who starred alongside the late Iroha, playing the charismatic character of Zebrudaya in the soap, expressed sadness at the development.

‘I’m shocked. My last encounter with him about three weeks ago was lively… we worked very well together. He was quite good to me, advised me and we talked from time to time’.

President of the AGN, Segun Arinze, also condoled with the family of the actor and Nigerians on the sad loss through his BlackBerry broadcast message.

‘Just received the sad news now that veteran actor James Iroha aka Gringory of the popular Masquerade tv comedy series is dead! I spoke with the son Uche who confirmed the story … We at AGN commiserate with his family. May God Grant him eternal rest.’

Mr. Iroha, who conceptualised and starred as Giringory in the widely watched Masquerade series that ran through the late 80’s to the 90’s, had been battling eye problems for a while, which was brought on by glaucoma, and had left him partially blind in both eyes. Attempts to treat this ailment, including a trip to India for specialist care proved futile.

The pioneering University of Ibadan Theatre Arts graduate was in the news earlier in the year for lamenting the state of neglect he was in; stating that he still pays ‘landlord rent even in this twilight of my life.

‘I am almost begging for food; so I need money to pay my rent, buy my medicines and maybe repair my car, which has been there for two years, untouched. So, if I get some money I think I would be happy and better off psychologically, I may be healed too’.

Chief James Iroha, born October 12, 1942, was awarded the OON (Officer of the Order of the Niger) title in 1980 by the Shehu Shagari administration. He is survived by five children and numerous grandchildren.