The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has declared an indefinite suspension on the production of films involving riverine areas and boat riding following the untimely death of renowned actor John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, in a boating accident.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, claimed the lives of Junior Pope and another individual identified as Mr. Friday, while three bodies remain unrecovered.
The tragedy happened during the filming of a movie titled “The Other Side Of Life” produced by Adamma Luke, at the waterside of River Niger Cable Point in Asaba, Delta State.
AGN National President Emeka Rollas, in a statement released on Friday, April 11, 2024, also announced the indefinite suspension of the movie project involved in the fatal incident and imposed a ban on actors collaborating with Adamma Luke as a producer until further notice.
Rollas stated, “Following the tragic incident of boat mishap that claimed the life of Mr. John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope and four other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10th April 2024 on a movie set titled ‘The Other Side of Life’ produced by Adamma Luke, the Leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions:
- All films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are hereby suspended indefinitely.
- No shoots on all locations nationwide on Thursday, 11th April 2024.
- The film titled ‘The Other Side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely.
- No actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer until further notice.
“While we continue to search for the bodies of the remaining persons, may their souls rest in peace.”