Anonymous

BOSUN

LAGOS

The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) says the death of Nollywood actors, Murphy Afolabi, Saint Obi, Mukaila Adedigba, and Wasiu Adegbenro, is devastating to the association.

Bolaji Amusan, National President of TAMPAN,  stated this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

Amusan condoled with the families of the departed colleagues and prayed that God grants them all the fortitude to bear the loss.

“TAMPAN received with shock and great disbelief the sad news of the untimely departure of popular Nollywood stars, Murphy Afolabi, Mukaila Adedigba, Wasiu Adegbenro, and the English actor, Saint Obi.

“The news came to us as a rude shock at this time when TAMPAN is intensifying efforts toward improving the welfare of members and the quality of life of the Nigerian artists.

“We pray that God grants them all eternal rest,” he said.

Amusan said the increasing rate of untimely death among its members and others within the creative industry had become worrisome.

He called on TAMPAN members and Nigerian artists generally to pay proper attention to their health.

“These sad incidences necessitate another clarion call to all members of our association and Nigerian artists, in general, to pay close attention to their health.

“It is also very important at this time to admonish all individuals within the creative sector in Nigeria to create time for recreation and take time off once in a while from work,” he said.

 Saint Obi passed on at the age of 57 after a protracted illness. Murphy Afolabi, aged 49, reportedly died of complications from a slip in the bathroom on Sunday.

Also, Mukaila Adedigba died on  May 13 while Wasiu Adegbenro, a sound recordist, popularly known as “Techno”, died on May 14.

The Maritime First can authoritatively report that for youths in Osogbo, Sunday was a  Black Day, as fans gathered in little crowds and spoke in hush tones. 

The Fetuata Compound, the traditional home of Murphy wore a very mournful look, Monday morning. 

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says delay in the emergence of the new Aalafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomosoland, was to allow due process to be followed in their selection to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.

Makinde made this known on Tuesday in Ibadan while swearing in the new Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima.

The event was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Makinde said he had already communicated to the kingmakers in the two towns that institutional framework should be followed in the selection of new Alafin and Soun.

According to him, once due process is followed, things generally will work out more efficiently.

“We have gone through a situation where a king was removed by the judiciary in the state after he has been on the throne for over 22 years.

“And I said to myself, not under my watch are we going to repeat the same mistake. I will rather delay and have due process followed.

“Then, if anybody decides to go to court after the emergence of the new traditional rulers, such exercise might be a nullity.

“I believe this is what we need in Nigeria right now – strong institutions.

“But, we also need people to build them, people with experience, capacity and people with a strong conviction to do what is right.

“That is why the appointment of people like Justice Iyabo Yerima is important because she has experience in leadership,” Makinde said.

Swearing in Yerima, as a substantive Chief Judge, he said that her appointment was in accordance with Section 271 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

He said that the swearing-in was done after her appointment was confirmed by the House of Assembly.

Makinde, while congratulating the new Chief Judge, promised to give her the necessary support to succeed.

He hinted that his administration had taken steps to ensure that judiciary in the state work effectively, assuring that his government would try its best to provide resources as they were available.

The governor said that if justice was to be dispensed efficiently, it should be carried out in a befitting environment.

In her remarks, Yerima pledged to take Judiciary in the state to a greater height.

She lauded Makinde for the cooperation that the judiciary in the state has been enjoying since the inception of his administration.

The Chief judge, however, pleaded for the renovation of all the courtrooms in the state.

The highlights of the event were the administering of Administration Oath and the Judicial Oath on the Chief Judge by the governor.

The Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubanwo Adeosun; High Court Judges and other top government functionaries were present at the event.