The actor died on set in a boat clash while filming in Asaba, Delta State capital.
According to our source, Junior Pope died during a boat trip.
The boat capsized and he, alongside two other yet-to-be-identified actors, drowned. His body was recovered and rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The Delta State Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Emma Onyemeziem, confirmed to Vanguard that the corpse had been deposited in the morgue.
The death of Junior Pope is the latest in a string of tragedies that has hit Nollywood this year.
Last month, ace thespians, such as Mr. Ibu and Sisi Quadri passed on.
In January it was Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina. In February it was Ethel Ekpe. She is well known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’.
For a complete look at the loses of talents suffered by Nollywood this year.
Reacting to the tragic death of the actor, Stanley, who said he witnessed the incident and was involved in taking Junior Pope to the hospital in Asaba, the Delta State capital, called for the arrest of the producer and the boat driver, who is said to be alive.
Taking to his Instagram page on Thursday to demand the arrest of Adamma Luke and the boat driver, Stanley lambasted Nollywood producers, saying they are the worst producers in the entertainment industry, especially the Asabawood.
He said they are fond of not spending enough funds on movie cast and crew, adding that if an actor complained too much on set, they would be blacklisted immediately.
He wrote, “Arrest the producer. Arrest the boat driver. Nollywood producers are the worst part of producers in the entertainment. They like managing funds on cast and crew.
“If you complain too much on set, you will be blacklisted immediately. Nollywood; no love for one another, especially Asabawood.”
The AGN National President, Rollas announced the indefinite suspension of the movie being filmed when the tragic incident occurred and banned actors from working with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice.
Rollas, who made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, also announced the indefinite suspension of any film involving riverine areas and boat riding.
Rollas said, “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 are hereby suspended indefinitely. No Shoot on all locations Nationwide on Thursday 11th April 2024.
“The film titled “Another 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 souls rest in peace.”
Culled from Saharareporters