The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has prohibited the filming of movies in riverine locations and suspended filmmaker Adanma Luke after the demise of actor Junior Pope Odonwodo.
Junior Pope was among those who perished when their boat overturned while returning from filming “Another Side of Life,” a movie produced by Adanma, near Cable Point on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.
Despite initial reports that Junior Pope had been resuscitated, the AGN confirmed his death, leading to the halt of all movie shoots in riverine areas and on boats.
“In light of the boat accident at the River Niger Cable Point in Asaba on April 10, 2024, which resulted in the death of Mr. John Paul Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope, and four other crew members on the set of ‘The Other Side of Life’ produced by Adanma Luke,” stated AGN president Emeka Rollas in a Thursday announcement.
The Guild’s leadership has made the following decisions: (1) The indefinite suspension of all films involving riverine areas and boat riding, (2) a halt to shooting at all locations nationwide on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
(3) The indefinite suspension of the film ‘Another Side of Life’, (4) a prohibition on any actor working with Adamma Luke as a producer until further notice, (5) and as the search for the remaining bodies continues, we hope for the repose of their souls.
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This action follows the AGN president’s retraction of his initial statement that the actor was alive, after confirming the death of Junior Pope. Later, he removed his Instagram post, replacing it with a new one reaffirming the actor’s death.
“It’s incredibly sad that our happiness was fleeting. My initial post was made in excitement upon observing his fingers’ movement. Despite the best efforts of two prominent hospitals, they could not save him. We leave it to God,” he stated.
“We have lost him. While Mr. Friday’s body has been identified, the search for three other bodies continues.”
