Junior Pope: ‘He’s a bad example’ – Photo of Peter Obi not wearing a lifejacket during a canoe ride upsets Nigerians

The former Anambra State governor came under fire following the death of Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo popularly known as Junior Pope and four others in a boat accident on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Reports indicate that Junior Pope drowned while attempting to cross the River Niger while returning from a movie location.

Confirming the death of the 39-year-old actor and others is the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, who took to his Instagram page to share details of the incident.

Junior Pope is said to have turned 40 on May 7, 2024.

In a bid to extend his condolences to the families of Junior Pope and other victims, Peter Obi on Thursday took to his X page (formerly Twitter) to grieve with the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the entire Nigerian entertainment industry for the losses.

He wrote;

“I am shocked by the reports of the death of yet another vibrant Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope. 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.

“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,” Obi tweeted.

Netizens upon sighting his tweet, stormed his comment section to tackle him after a photo emerged of him without a lifejacket as many call him a bad example.

@GoziconC: “In this your long thread, you forgot to tell Nigerians the importance of wearing a Lifejacket and taking safety precautions before boarding a boat because you are also among those ignorant Nigerians.”

@Mayordavid_9: “You are a tiger mentor in not abiding to safety rules. You see what you have caused?

“No sensible person should look up to you as a leader.”

@Adekbolaji: “I hope you learn from this, all this your wakabout on water without necessary precautions was not a wise decision.”

@cbngov_akin1: “Sad you are a bad example in everything.

“May his soul rest in Peace”

@AgbaJude: “It’s really a sad one. But don’t try this again next time o Sir.

“You are a national treasure. We no wan hear story.”

@luxlyangels: wear a properly fitting life jacket, check the weather forecast before setting out, inform someone of your plans and estimated return time, bring essential safety equipment such as a first aid kit, whistle and flashlight, be aware of river’s currents, obstacles and navigation rules, avoid alcohol consumption before or during the ride, keep a safe distance from other boats and wildlife, stay seated while the boat is in motion, know how to swim or ensure someone on board does, and consider taking a boating safety course for additional knowledge and skills.