Nollywood practitioners are increasingly reacting to the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria’s decision to bar its member directors from working with actresses, Iyabo Ojo and Nkechi Blessing Sunday.
In a shocking press statement announced by TAMPAN executives, the association blacklisted the actresses for allegedly making disrespectful comments about the Yoruba film industry.
TAMPAN’s reaction has, however, sparked online reaction especially from Nollywood practitioners who feel the association has chosen an unfair stand against the actresses for speaking up against alleged sex offender, Baba Ijesha.
In an Instagram post, ROK Studio boss, Mary Remmy Njoku wrote: “Where there are allegations of rape or child molestation there is no such thing as overreaction.
“Today in Nigeria I don’t believe we are reacting enough. I stand with and want to thank these two strong women who have used their time and platforms to speak up against it. You both are my crush Today and always.”
Top Yoruba industry actor, Funsho Adeolu also took to his Instagram handle to condemn TAMPAN’s press conference.
Funsho who pulled his face mask over his face in the picture said, “My face is covered, not because of Covid but in shame on behalf of those who call themselves leaders of local association and do not have the interest of members at heart. God is watching o.”
Comedian Debo Macaroni had a thread on Twitter highlighting how Yomi Fabiyi was spared from the association’s action despite openly using derogatory comments.
He said, “A press conference should have been held at the beginning of the whole thing, letting the public know TAMPAN’S stand on Baba Ijesha and the matters arising. If Iyabo Ojo went too far, so did Yomi Fabiyi. If we can demand accountability from the government, what about ourselves?”
Veteran star actress, Ego Boyo who also weighed in on the ongoing TAMPAN versus Iyabo Ojo and Nkechi Blessing saga, aired her mind.
Boyo, in a tweet, expressed her lack of surprise at the association’s decision to bar its members from working with the actresses based on alleged disrespectful comments made online.
Her comment: “A whole press conference…. smh To silence and bully a woman for being vocal about pedophilia and other horrible practices in the industry I wish I was shocked,” the actress and film producer tweeted.
Recall the actresses had called out their colleague, Baba Ijesha shortly after evidence emerged of him sexually harassing the underage foster daughter of Comedienne Princess. According to TAMPAN executives, Ojo and Blessing dragged the association in the mud in their online reaction.