The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended filmmaker, Mr. Adamma Luke and production of movies in riverine areas following the death of Mr. John Paul Odonwodo popularly known as Junior Pope.
Junior Pope and four others were involved in a boat mishap at waterside of River Niger Cable point in Asaba, Delta State during a movie set titled “The other side of Life” produced by Adamma Luke, which eventually led to their demise on Wednesday.
Consequently, the National President of AGN, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas in a statement issued on Thursday suspended film production involving boat riding indefinitely.
“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 waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10th of 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 is hereby suspended indefinitely,” Dr. Emeka stated.
He declared a ‘no shoot day’ saying that “no shoot on locations nationwide on Thursday, April 11, 2024.”
The AGN President added: “The film titled ‘The other side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely. 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, may their soul rest in peace.”
Junior Pope delved into the movie scene (Nollywood industry) in 2006 – and commenced his journey by attending movie auditions and playing out a minor character in movies.
He is known for acting bodyguard, palace attendant, villain among others – and has acted several movies including “Bitter Generation”, “The Generals”, “Secret Adventures” and “Vengeance of Bullet”.
He was awarded Nollywood Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Entertainment Factory Awards in 2010.
Junior Pope has also won the Best Actor of the Year at the Africa Movie Academy (AMA) to mention a few.
