The day marked a significant milestone not just for the young boy, but for the entire family still grappling with the tragic loss of their beloved father and husband.

Jnr Pope, who passed away earlier this year, had always cherished the idea of witnessing and celebrating such defining moments in his children’s lives. Though absent in body, his presence was deeply felt throughout the ceremony.

His widow, Jennifer Odonwodo, reflected on how meaningful the day would have been for the actor and expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for sustaining her family through these trying times.

She acknowledged the grace and strength that have carried her and the children since his passing, describing God as their ultimate protector and provider.

Despite the heartache, the day was also filled with hope and pride for Jason’s achievements and the enduring legacy of his late father.

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His death comes just one year after the tragic loss of his son, who was involved in a boat accident while on set.

The news was confirmed by Junior Pope’s widow, Jennifer Awele, in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday.

She shared a touching video montage featuring moments with her late husband, his father, and other close family members, capturing the depth of sorrow the family continues to endure.

Jennifer revealed that she was with her father-in-law in Enugu barely a month ago, unaware that it would be her last time seeing him alive.

In her tribute, Jennifer described her late father-in-law as a man who “genuinely loved” her and “lived a good life, paid his dues, sacrificed a lot for his family and loved ones, and happily reaped the fruits of his labor.” She expressed gratitude for the time she spent with him in his final days.

The loss marks yet another painful chapter for the family, still mourning the death of Junior Pope, who tragically drowned in the Anam River on April 10, 2024, while returning from a movie shoot.

The 43-year-old actor left behind his wife and their three young sons.

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The commemoration, which will be observed annually, aims to pay tribute to the fallen industry professionals who died while on duty.

The victims included Junior Pope, Precious, a sound engineer, Ola Nti, a camera assistant, Abigail, a makeup artist, and Mr. Friday, a production assistant.

Their deaths sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans expressing grief over the devastating loss.

Many called for improved safety regulations for film productions, especially those involving water transportation.

To ensure their memories live on, Nollywood has designated April 10 as a day of remembrance for all industry professionals who die while working on set.

The inaugural remembrance ceremony in April 2025 will be the first of its kind, honoring the lives and contributions of the deceased.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/why-legal-case-against-producer-in-jnr-popes-death-was-dropped-agn-explains/ Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:17:33 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2475851 The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, has clarified the reasons behind the Guild’s decision not to pursue legal action against filmmaker Adanma Luke following the tragic death of actor Junior Pope in a boat accident on April 10, 2024.

Pope lost his life while returning from the set of Adanma’s movie Other Side of Life.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the AGN suspended Adanma for breaching safety protocols and instituted a temporary ban on filming in riverine locations and boat-related scenes. However, the ban on Adanma was lifted in August.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE TV, Rollas revealed that legal advisors concluded that the AGN lacked the “locus” to sue.

“Our legal adviser explained that the Guild could not sue based on the contract Junior Pope signed with the producer. Only his direct family or wife could initiate legal proceedings,” he stated.

Rollas also highlighted an additional complication: Junior Pope was not up-to-date with his AGN membership dues at the time of his death.

“We discovered that Junior Pope, though a prominent actor, was not a due-paying member for over a year before his passing,” Rollas said.

This revelation has spurred calls for industry reforms. Rollas emphasized the Guild’s plans to introduce actor licensing and enhance compensation structures.

“We are working on creating a licensing system for actors, ensuring they meet certain requirements to access benefits. This will bring structure to the industry and provide the necessary support to actors in need,” he explained.

Rollas further stressed the importance of professionalizing the Nigerian film industry to avoid future tragedies and improve working conditions.

“Licensing will ensure accountability and eligibility for benefits, while safeguarding our members and strengthening the industry,” he concluded.

The AGN remains committed to reforming the industry, even as it mourns the loss of one of its most beloved members.

The incident, which occurred during the production of a film, has left her devastated, and she is now pleading for prayers to help her cope.

In a heartfelt statement, Adanma Luke expressed her deep sorrow, saying that though she is trying to be tough, the blame games, cyberbullying and threats are breaking her.

She further explained that while she believes the tragedy was destined to happen, she struggles with the question of why it had to occur during her production.

The incident has put her in the spotlight, something she never desired.

“I never liked the internet drama and all that, but this tragedy put me out there. People are dragging me, calling me to threaten and bully me. I go through so much. I am trying to heal, but it is not working,” she lamented.

The producer emphasized her love and respect for Jnr Pope and the others who lost their lives, stating that she had chosen them for the project because of her admiration for their work.

However, the tragedy has made it impossible for her to return to Asaba, where the incident occurred.

Adanma Luke also shared that she had thoroughly investigated the location before choosing it, and was assured that it was safe for filming.

“We weren’t even shooting on the water; it was a means of transportation,” she clarified.

In her emotional plea, she apologized to Nigerians, insisting that the incident was not deliberate.

“I am gradually losing my life. I am depressed and full of regrets. I don’t even know how to call people for jobs. I need prayers. It’s not easy on me,” she concluded.

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In its report released on Friday, May 24 and presented by its director, Cpt. Alex Baden, the agency said it was not officially notified about the accident but got to know about it on social media.

According to the NSIB, investigators from the Enugu Regional office of NSIB were dispatched to the accident scene on April 12, 2024.

It said its investigation showed that, the driver of the ill-fated boat was not certified.

“There was only one person on the wooden fishing canoe. This rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver and he was not looking out as required. The boat was on high speed and the crossing canoe was moving at a much slower speed.

The only occupant of the canoe, on sighting the fast approaching boat jumped into the river and escaped; The boat collided with the canoe at a high speed which resulted in the boat capsizing and all persons onboard were flung into Anam River.” the director said.

Contrary to information from the movie producer that they were provided with life jackets,
the preliminary report stated that the only one passenger on the boat with a life jacket on came with it and was not provided by the operator of the boat.

“Only one passenger on the outboard engine fibre boat was wearing a life jacket. The only passenger wearing a life jacket came with it and was not provided by the operator. The passenger wearing the life jacket was one of the survivors. The boat was fitted with an outboard engine. There was no manifest of passengers and persons onboard the boat. Rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”

In its safety recommendations, the bureau urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to ensure that all boats involved in commercial activities (goods and passengers) within the national inland waterways are registered.

It added that, authority must ensure adequate safety measures are implemented and enforced in our inland waterways.

The 43-year-old actor’s burial rites commenced with an episcopal burial mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Friday morning.

The funeral was attended by fans, colleagues, and family members who came together to pay their last respects and celebrate the actor’s contributions to the Nigerian movie industry.

The atmosphere was filled with sorrow as attendees shared their memories and encounters with Junior Pope.

His wife, Jennifer Awele, was visibly emotional, unable to hold back tears during the funeral and burial.

Junior Pope’s first son was inconsolable as his father’s mortal remains were lowered to the ground.

The young boy in the company of older relatives who tried to console him.

Some colleague actors including Chinwe Owoh and Rita Edochie were filled with emotions as they pleaded with Nigerians to stop bothering Junior Pope’s wife

Junior Pope’s passing has left a profound impact on his loved ones and the Nollywood community, who remembered him for his talent and dedication to his craft.

Junior Pope’s First Son Inconsolable As His Late Father Is Finally Laid To Rest.

Notcoin E money Penelope Laporta Xavi Colon pic.twitter.com/ws9CUsJFWG

— Naija Trend (@NaijaTrend_1) May 17, 2024

In a conversation with WITHIN NIGERIA, Mr. Agu recounted meeting Junior Pope at a film location in Enugu, where they discussed the actor’s aspirations and plans for the future.

According to Mr. Agu, Junior Pope was brimming with vision and ambition, particularly regarding the establishment of his own production company.

“He had a lot of visions and plans,” Mr. Agu revealed. “He told me that he would like to establish a local film industry for the people of the Nsukka area to harvest new talents from the area.”

Tragically, Junior Pope’s dreams were cut short by a boat tragedy during a movie shoot.

Along with four other crew members, including a soundman and makeup artist, he lost his life in the accident.

Meanwhile, reparations are made for his burial in the coming weeks.

Junior Pope leaves behind a grieving wife and three children.

His untimely passing has not only left a void in the hearts of his loved ones but also in the Nollywood community, where he was respected for his talent and dedication to his craft.

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This comes after the initial obituary omitted his status as a husband, sparking fury among  his wife and her family.

In the revised burial poster, it states that the 4-day burial ceremony is scheduled for May 13, 2024 at his hometown in Enugu state.

It will begin with a private mass, followed by a vigil for all his fans and family three day later.

He will be laid in state on Friday, May 17 for sympathizers to pay their final respect. His interment will directly follow.

On Sunday, May 19, a Thanksgiving mass will be held at his church to complete the final funeral rites.

Jnr Pope Junior Pope, and three others were confirmed dead when the boat they were travelling in after returning from a movie set capsized in Asaba.

He was 43.

Precious was laid to rest along the river bank in accordance with traditions for people who die by drowning.

His family later sought assistance to bring his remains back to his hometown for a proper burial.

Today, accompanied by family members and members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, the body of Precious was exhumed from its original burial site.

In a video shared by movie producer Stanley Nwoke on Instagram, preparations for the journey to Rivers State were underway as Precious’ remains were carefully placed inside a white coffin.

Stanley shared other videos of when the body arrived at the hometown as loved ones bid farewell to the late sound engineer and paid their last respect.

He has since been laid to rest.

She described her deceased son, Precious, as the breadwinner of the family and her caretaker as she battles an undisclosed ailment.

All his efforts to hustle and earn a living for their sustenance has been made futile.

Expressing her deepest desire, the grieving mother pleaded for the return of her son’s body to Rivers State for a proper burial.

She implored authorities not to lay him to rest at the site of the tragic accident, but rather to allow his family the opportunity to bid him a final farewell in their hometown.

Meanwhile, Adamna Luke, the producer of the movie project that resulted in the fatal accident, claims to have taken steps to facilitate the transportation of the victims’ bodies back to their respective villages.

However, the families of the deceased have yet to receive their loved ones’ remains.

The tragic incident occurred when a boat carrying the film crew collided and capsized, claiming the lives of approximately eight crew members, including the renowned actor Jnr Pope.

Abigail was laid to rest at the bank of the Anam River, where the unfortunate incident occurred.

Due to financial constraints preventing her family from transporting her remains to their hometown in Akwa Ibom, residents buried her at the bank in accordance to traditional rites.

However, the Akwa Ibom state government, led by Pastor Umo Bassey Eno have intervened and made arrangements to repatriate Abigail’s body for proper burial.

In an emotional visit, government officials met with Abigail’s grieving family, who were still reeling from the shock of her untimely passing.

In compliance with the government’s directive, Abigail’s body was exhumed from its original resting place at the river bank.

It will now be transported to her parents, allowing them to bid their final farewell and lay their beloved daughter to rest in her hometown.

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Here are ten key facts about the late star:

Junior Pope, whose birth name was Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, was born on May 7, 1984, in Bamenda, Cameroon, to Mr. and Mrs. Luke Odonwodo.

While Junior Pope hailed from the Ukehe tribe of Enugu State, Nigeria, he spent his formative years growing up in Cameroon.

He completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before eventually relocating to Nigeria for further studies.

Upon pursuing a degree in Accountancy at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Junior Pope discovered his passion for acting.

Junior Pope ventured into acting in 2006 and quickly gained attention for his talent on screen.

He often portrayed roles such as guards and servants before landing a breakthrough role in the 2007 blockbuster film “Secret Adventures,” directed by Tchidi Chikere.

Throughout his career, Junior Pope appeared in over 100 movies, showcasing his versatility and skill as an actor.

In recognition of his talent, he was honored with multiple awards including the Nollywood Most Promising Actor award at the Entertainment Factory Awards in 2010.

On July 26, 2014, Junior Pope exchanged vows with Jennifer Awele Okpuno, and the couple was blessed with three sons

The sudden and tragic demise of Junior Pope occurred on April 10, 2024, while filming a movie in Asaba, leaving behind a profound legacy in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

The clip, filmed years ago on the set of a movie, captures a moment he expressed concern over shooting a scene on water without proper safety precautions.

In the video, Dumelo, along with fellow actors Lilwin, Adjetey Anang, Don Little, and the late Bishop Bernard, were tasked with filming a scene on a canoe.

However, as the canoe began to sway, Dumelo quickly got down, citing the absence of life jackets and other security measures.

Despite playful encouragement from his colleagues, Dumelo remained steadfast in his decision to prioritize safety.

The resurgence of this video comes at a time when over four Nollywood actors have drowned while filming on set.

Actor, Junior Pope, a makeup artiste, a technician and other crew members perished when a boat they were sailing in across the Niger River in Asaba capsized.

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• Junior Pope, three other Nollywood actors die in boat accident

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• Why we believed Junior Pope survived boat accident – Actors Guild…

This incident has reignited conversations about the importance of safety protocols in the film industry and the responsibility of producers to ensure the well-being of their cast and crew.

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In a post he shared on social media, the actor disclosed his house went up in flames while they were still enjoying their bedtime.

In a video he shared of the damage, it was apparent the fire started from his meter and descended to his AC and the grass carpet he had in his room.

According to him, his hands are clean to warrant a sudden untimely death from the enemies.

He captioned: “Join Me In Thanking God Ooooooooo. My House Almost Went Up In Flames While My Family Slept But GOD Intervened. My Hands Are Clean Oooooooooooo,(Akam di Ocha) God Is The Greatest (final full stop)
My family and I are safe…..”

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