Nollywood actress, Yvonne Jegede has given her two cents into the painful demise of her colleague, Junior Pope.
It is no longer news that the actor lost his life after drowning at Anam River while returning from a movie shoot in Anambra.
Yvonne noted how his death could have been avoided if only he had worn a life jacket or if Nollywood producers had done better. She stated that she has been angry since his demise because she knew the incident could have been avoided, but his death has served as a lesson to others.
She further noted how many people blame him for not getting a life jacket, but she pointed out many would have done the same.
Reading the riot aft to movie producers, she told them to do better and to give up being a producer, if they can’t produce a good film.
“Hi guys, I have been very very angry because what happened is something that could have been avoided but here we are and we’ve all learnt.
Yes, we blame him for not getting a life jacket before getting on the boat, but it is something that a lot of us will do. I know some actors that will not get on that boat without a life jacket, they will demand to have it no matter the names you call them. A lot of us will still do it.
These days, everybody wants to be a producer. If you can’t produce a good film, pack up”.
Ini Edo, made a similar statement, slamming the poor structure of the industry that has taken a toll on them. She lamented the actor’s death which she called a sacrifice for the realization of the need of the much needed regulation and structure that would safeguard an entire production.
Sarah Martins had dragged Adanma, noting how her recklessness had cost her the lives of people. She described the actress’ movie as a low-budget movie trying to raise local standards without providing the necessary amenities. Her senior colleagues, Uju Okoli and Destiny Etiko had berated her for her statement and she had later tendered an apology.
Doris Ogala had also dragged the producer, Adanma, calling for her arrest as she slammed the President of AGN for allegedly protecting her.
Speaking out, The Actors Guild of Nigeria released a public statement, banning actors and actresses 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.
Unlike them, Jide Awobona had made a case for, noting how such an unfortunate incident could have befallen anybody. He stated that it is a norm in Nollywood and when one refuses to do certain things, they are being tagged as difficult and called unprofessional.
Uche Ogbodo stated that Adanma was only a victim of circumstances by being the producer of the job as most producers have taken such risks before.
Telling her to stand strong, she questioned what exactly was her crime for people to be calling for her arrest as she noted how Adanma is a young woman hustling to help herself and her family.
Breaking her silence, Adanma Luke clarified that contrary to reports, she had provided life jackets for them. She revealed that the unfortunate incident still feels like a dream to her, which she hopes she can wake up from.
She disclosed that she had been left traumatized over the ordeal and blames herself for returning to Asaba as she was supposed to be on that boat with them and her brother’s 2 kids.
