The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, has expressed deep condolences to the Ekiye family of Adagbabiri Town in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State over the passing of renowned theatre and broadcast legend, Elder Comish Ekiye. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Secretary of the State Council, Comrade Imgbi Gbalipre Stanley, described the death of the veteran thespian and broadcaster as a monumental loss—not only to the Ekiye family and Bayelsa State, but to Nigeria’s creative and broadcast industries as a whole.
According to the statement, the late Elder Ekiye made outstanding contributions to the growth and development of theatre, radio, and television in Lagos, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, leaving behind an enduring legacy of professionalism and creative excellence.
The NUJ noted that Elder Ekiye served as the pioneer Director-General of the Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation (Glory 91.1 FM), as well as the pioneer General Manager of the Rivers State Television Service, Port Harcourt. He also once served as Director of the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture, where he played a key role in nurturing artistic talents. Describing him as a multi-talented creative professional, the statement highlighted that Elder Ekiye was a versatile actor, playwright, broadcaster, television director, and producer. He also served as Director of the Nigerian Play House, Lagos, from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. Among his many acclaimed stage and television productions were You Can’t Take Your Wife to New York, One Stroke of the Matchet, OMORO, The Family, Finest Hour, Inside-Out, Obigbo Connection, and Sarah’s Dream.
A towering figure in Nigerian stagecraft, Elder Ekiye was also a pioneer cast member of the iconic television series, Village Headmaster, where he memorably portrayed the role of the uncompromising Chief Odunuga.
The NUJ stated that Elder Comish Ekiye would be greatly missed by practitioners and admirers within the theatre and broadcast industries in Bayelsa State and beyond. The union prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and urged the family to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life of service, creativity, and integrity worthy of emulation. Signed: