The Nigerian creative community is in mourning following the passing of David Offor (often cited as Davis Offor), the veteran actor immortalized as “Clarus” in the legendary sitcom The New Masquerade.
He passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the age of 85. His death marks the end of an era for a show that defined Nigerian television in the 1980s and 90s.
The “New Masquerade” Legacy
David Offor was a cornerstone of what many consider Nigeria’s first truly iconic sitcom.
- The Dynamic Duo: Alongside the late James Iroha (Gringory), Offor’s character Clarus served as the witty, often mischievous houseboy to Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo (Chika Okpala).
- Cultural Impact: His chemistry with Gringory provided the comedic backbone of the series, offering a sharp, satirical look at Nigerian social hierarchy and household dynamics.
- The Last of the “Houseboys”: With his passing, the original duo of Gringory and Clarus—who kept households glued to NTA for years—is now reunited in history.
A Spiritual Reset
In his later years, Offor famously pivoted away from the limelight to pursue a deeply personal spiritual path.
- The Aetherius Ministry: After leaving the stage around 2002, he became a dedicated minister in the Aetherius Society, a London-based mystic order with branches in Aba and Lagos.
- “Spreading the Truth”: He became well-known for his “bombshell” interviews where he discussed his beliefs in the Law of Karma. He once famously remarked that while acting allowed him to “entertain the world,” his work as a minister was about “spreading the truth” to help people in the next life.
- Resilience: Despite facing visual impairment in his final years, he remained a vocal and philosophical figure, often stating that he saw his condition through a spiritual lens rather than a hindrance to his ministry.
