 Lost creators Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse were fans of Akinnuoye @-@ Agbaje 's work on HBO 's Oz , and asked him to portray the character . Although Akinnuoye @-@ Agbaje was not initially interested in joining the cast , he was persuaded by Cuse and Lindelof , but for a shorter period than they had in mind . Akinnuoye @-@ Agbaje had a lot of influence on his character , changing the character 's name and making adjustments to Eko 's personality . After appearing on the show for one season , Akinnuoye @-@ Agbaje asked Cuse and Lindelof to write his character out of the show because he did not feel at home in Hawaii . They decided a " shocking and emotional death " would be the best way for the character to depart : after seeing his brother on the island , Eko chases him until he stumbles upon the smoke monster , which brutally murders him . 
