Leading opposition leader, Peter Obi has mourned the death of actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo aka Junior Pope.
Junior Pope and three of his colleagues reportedly drowned on Wednesday when their boat capsized on Anam River, Anambra State, while returning from a filming location on the River Niger.
His death sent shockwaves across the country.
Reacting in a Thursday statement, Obi said, “Our entertainment industry, and indeed our dear nation, is once again thrown into mourning, by the death of this young talented actor.
“Junior Pope was known for his energetic acting, always comically delivered to entertain and educate. He brought smiles to the faces of many through his roles in movies and comedy skits.
“His death is yet another great loss to the entertainment industry which has in recent years risen to become a most vibrant sector of our social and economic life. I am even more saddened to imagine the pain and agony of the families they have just left behind.
“Death is a very painful experience, but the death of a young one with a promising future is even more devastating. I sincerely commiserate with his family and the families of others who also lost their lives in the boat accident.
“I also condole with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and the entire entertainment industry. May God give them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss, and grant eternal rest to the dead.”