The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Emeka Rollas, shed light on the guild’s decision regarding potential legal action against actress and producer Adanma Luke in the wake of the tragic death of actor Junior Pope.
The incident, which shook the Nigerian film industry, occurred on April 10, 2024, when Junior Pope, alongside four crew members, lost their life after a boat capsized in the River Niger, near Asaba in Delta State.
The group was en route to a movie location for the film entitled “The Other Side of Life,” which featured Junior Pope in a leading role, under the production of Adanma Luke.
Following the harrowing event, the AGN swiftly suspended Adanma Luke as part of their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
However, Rollas has now revealed why the guild opted not to pursue legal action against the producer.
According to him, the keys to taking such a step were hindered by contractual obligations and membership requirements.
It has been confirmed that Junior Pope was not a dues-paying member of the AGN at the time of his unfortunate demise.
Instead, the guild’s regulations stipulate that only direct family members or the spouse of the deceased have the standing to sue in cases like this.
During a candid discussion on Arise TV, Rollas emphasized the importance of clear contractual guidelines, noting that the advisement of AGN’s legal team pointed to a significant limitation in their ability to take legal action.
He stated, “In the course of interacting with our legal adviser, he said that from the contract Junior Pope signed with the producer, the AGN did not have the locus to sue. He indicated that only either the direct family or the wife should take legal action against the producer.”
Rollas elaborated on the broader implications of the incident, highlighting the need for structural reform within the guild itself.
With a recent trip to Los Angeles, Rollas has been inspired to implement changes that would enhance the organization and better serve its members.
He remarked, “Now we go back to the structure that we are talking about. Because we just came back from Los Angeles, we are trying to change a lot of things.”
With a commitment to professionalizing the industry, Rollas revealed plans to introduce a licensing system for actors, which he believes will ensure better accountability and adherence to guild rules.
He added, “We are going to begin licensing actors because we also find out that even Junior Pope, as of the time of his death, was not a dues-paying member of the guild.
He was just an actor who is big and has not paid dues in the last year before his death.”
The tragic loss of Junior Pope, a prominent figure in the Nigerian film scene, has ignited conversations about safety and membership protocols within the industry.
As the AGN navigates the ramifications of this unfortunate incident, it becomes increasingly clear that reforms are essential to protect both the artists and the art they represent.
As the dialogue continues, Rollas and the AGN remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering a supportive and accountable environment for actors across Nigeria.
The journey towards reform may be long, but the guild’s resolve to enhance the welfare of its members remains unwavering.
