The Actors Guild of Nigeria has released a public statement, issuing two warnings to actors and actresses in Nollywood.
In its statement, which was signed by Emeka Rollas, the president of the Guild, Nollywood actors and actresses have been banned from starring in Adanma Luke’s movies till further notice. Her movie, which claimed the life of Junior Pope and crew members has been suspended indefinitely.
To add to it, all movies involving riverine areas and boat riding have been suspended indefinitely and no Nollywood practitioner is expected to hold any shoot today, April 11th.
Read the statement below,
Kemi Filani reported hours ago that the AGN president had confirmed the passing of actor, Junior Pope. He expressed sadness over his death as he noted how their joy was short-lived. He stated that his first post was out of excitement when he noticed his tingling fingers. Unfortunately, two hospitals tried their best to revive him but to no avail.
It is no longer news that it was a black Wednesday as Nollywood lost another of its beloved actors, Junior Pope. The talented movie star had drowned while returning from a movie location with his colleagues in a boat when they fell into Anam River in Anambra State.
Hours later, it was reported that the actor was still alive and had been taken to the Water Shrine for some cleansing after which he was taken to the hospital, where he eventually gave up after hours of battling for his life.
Taking to their Instagram pages, the likes of Lizzy Gold, Regina Chukwu, Susan Peters, Foluke Daramola, Mofe Duncan, Mike Ezurounye, Uche Ogbodo, Yvonne Jegede, Doris Ogala and more mourned him.
Following his untimely demise, his family members and the community where he died are currently battling for his body. According to reports, some people in the community are insisting that the actor must be buried in the river because they believe it is necessary for his children and the community’s well-being.
Kemi Filani also learned that another group of people is saying the family should take the body to a specific shrine where a certain herbalist in charge of the river will supposedly bring him back to life. Emeka Rollas, the AGN president, and some Nollywood actors are said to be pushing for his body to be taken to the shrine.
