Nigerian producer and actress, Adanma Luke has finally spoken up after seasoned actor Junior Pope Odonwodo died in a boat accident while returning from the set of her movie.
She faced heavy criticism online after it was revealed that Pope and four others who were on their way back from the movie location in Asaba, Delta state died because they were not wearing life jacket when the boat capsized.
In a series of videos, she posted on her Instagram page, Adanma revealed she was also supposed to be on the ill-fated boat, but her Director of Production told her to bring the memory card used for the filming.
She further stated that the movie was her first time working with the late Junior Pope, and she blamed herself for shooting the movie in Asaba, Delta State.
The filmmaker said; “I have been so traumatized, so cold. This whole thing still feels like a dream to me. I have not been able to make any statement since because we have been trying to recover the bodies. I have been providing fuel money to those that have been looking for the bodies. I provided caskets, ambulances to make sure the bodies were conveyed to their villages to the families that wanted it to be done.
I have not been quiet. I have been doing things just so these people can rest. It is so sad this had to happen on my set. I blame myself because I would have been doing my thing in Lagos. I blame myself for coming to Asaba.
I was supposed to be on that boat. My production manager was calling me to bring the memory card so they could start filming and I told him to come and collect it. He said ‘Mama, you know this place is far, just bring it for us’. I said why haven’t you people crossed? Why haven’t you people gone to work? He said they were waiting for Junior Pope to arrive.
Before now, on the 9th, they went there on their own. Junior Pope came on his own. On this 10th, while I was getting ready to go drop the card with them, I was accompanied by my brother’s two children who were supposed to be with me on that boat together. On getting there, I saw Emeka. He was my DOP. He was just sitting. I was surprised because I didn’t see others.
I asked him what is it? People surrounded him. He was quiet. I said Emeka, talk to me, what is it? why haven’t you crossed? Where is Ogolo? Where is everybody? has JP come? He was quiet. Emeka now said ‘’JP Don go! Abigail don go! Friday don go! Precious don go! I still did not understand what he meant by that. I said Emeka what do you mean? Don go where? He said ‘’Them dey inside water!”
My heart goes out to their families. May their souls rest in perfect peace.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One ❤️❤️❤️
Rose Ajieh
