Veteran Nollywood actor Usman Pategi, popularly known as “Samanja,” has died at the age of 81. The cause of his death is yet unknown.

Pategi rode to national prominence in the 1980s playing Samanja in the defunct NTA drama series titled “Samanja.” He was born on May 20, 1942, into the royal house of Pategi Emirate in Pategi, Northern Nigeria. He was the son of Etsu Usman Patako, the late King of Pategi.

Pategi also starred in popular Hausa films such as Yusuf’s Ladan’s Zaman and Duniya Iyawa Ne. He was known for his unique style of mixing Hausa, English, and Pidgin English in his performances.

Several Nollywood actors have paid tribute to Pategi on social media, expressing their sadness at his passing.

Pategi’s death is a loss to the Nigerian film industry. He was a talented actor and director who brought joy to many people with his performances.