The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, has officially confirmed that Jnr Pope Odonwodo, previously reported dead in a boat mishap, has been resuscitated. Earlier reports indicated that Jnr Pope, along with four other actors, tragically drowned after their boat capsized in the Anam River while returning from a movie shoot.
Filmmaker Sam Olatunji initially announced the actor’s death on Instagram, and The Delta State Chairperson of the AGN, Emma Onyemeziem, verified that his remains were deposited in the morgue.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Mr. Rollas disclosed to the media that Jnr Pope is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. Describing it as a miracle, he stated, “It is a miracle. He spent over two hours inside the water.” Additionally, he affirmed the actor’s survival on social media, writing, “What God cannot do does not exist. Junior Pope is alive. He is taking treatment in the hospital.”
Prior to the incident, the 39-year-old actor had shared a video on Instagram, depicting him and four others traveling to the movie location on a boat, expressing concern about the lack of safety measures. His caption reflected his apprehension, stating, “See me lamenting. The risk we take to entertain you: crossing river 9ja yesterday with no life jacket…. Na wahooooo Who does that ??”
Following the miraculous rescue, colleagues of Jnr Pope have flooded social media with messages of gratitude, thanking God for his survival.