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, the national president of TAMPAN, said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Amusan condoled 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,” stated Mr Amusan. 

The statement added, “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 artistes.”

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 artistes to pay proper 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 57 after a protracted illness. Murphy, 49, reportedly died of complications after falling in his bathroom on Sunday.

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

(NAN)