…Suspends movies involving riverine, boat riding, others
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia; with Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Actors Guild of Nigeria, has reversed itself on the reported death of Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope.
AGN has finally confirmed that the Nollywood Star is truly dead.
Reports filtered in late Wednesday night that Junior Pope along with three others, died in a boat mishap in Anam River while returning from a movie location in Anambra West Local Government Area.
But following social media reports that the Movie Star was revived later in a hospital, AGN debunked the news of his demise.
However, AGN in a Facebook post on Thursday morning, said that while it initially announced Junior Pope’s survival in excitement upon noticing the tingling of his fingers, he eventually passed away after attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
The post signed by Emeka Rollas added, “Two notable hospitals tried their best to revive him, but to no avail. God knows the best. We finally lost him.
“Mr Friday corpse has been identified but three other corpses are yet to be found.”
Popular actor, Junior Pope, others die in Anambra boat mishap”
Ikengaonline had reported that Junior Pope died alongside three other actors when they fell into Anam river while returning from a movie location.
The incident happened few hours after the actor shared a video of himself in a boat yesterday praying frantically to arrive at his destination safely.
The tragic demise of the 39-year-old has continued to spark off chain of reactions and has shocked fans and fellow industry figures, with many expressing their condolences and disbelief on social media platforms.
The actor is survived by his wife and three children.
Meanwhile, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has announced an indefinite suspension of any film involving riverine areas and boat riding in Nigeria movie industry.
The suspension followed the death of the famous actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, who drowned on Wednesday in a boat accident.
Emeka Rollas, National President of AGN, in a statement on Thursday said that this happened on a movie set titled ‘The other side of Life’ produced by Adamma Luke.
“Following the tragic incident of a boat mishap that claimed the life of Junior Pope and three other crew members at waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10th of April, all films that involve riverine areas and boat riding is (sic) hereby suspended indefinitely.
“No Shoot on all locations nationwide on Thursday, 11th April 2024 and the film titled ‘The Other Side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely.
“Also, no actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice, while we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons.”
