Embattled actor Yomi Fabiyi disowns TAMPAN after suspension, opts for ANTP

Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi has stated in an Instagram post on Friday, July 9 that he is not a member of the Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) following the announcement of his suspension.

The actor who has come under fire since releasing the controversial movie, Oko Iyabo has declared his solidarity with the Association of Theater Arts Practitioners of Nigeria (ANTP) following the recent development.

The movie association, TAMPAN published a statement titled,‘TAMPAN suspends Yomi Fabiyi indefinitely for gross professional misconduct & unethical practices’ on Friday.

According to the statement released, the association disclosed that Yomi Fabiyi and his Co-director, Dele Matti have both been found guilty of misconduct and unethical practices.

Also, TAMPAN condemned Yomi Fabiyi for using the real names of the people whose story the movie was based on.

Read the statement below.

However, Fabiyi insisted that he has the right to use his creative talent to produce films that give his opinion of trending issues.

In an Instagram post reacting to the TAMPAN suspension, the actor described the association’s letter as invalid as he never completed his registration process to verify him as a member.

“I am originally an ANTP member, worst case I will renew my membership there. I have never obtained or signed any form with TAMPAN or joined any guild. I was made to pay for registration which I did but no form collected or formal procedure,” Fabiyi wrote.

“The letter is inappropriate, not valid for me as a filmmaker. Any reaction if necessary will be on the basis of human rights violation if I so wish to do seek judicial redress. You don’t lose what you never had”, he stated.

TAMPAN summons Yomi Fabiyi over ‘Oko Iyabo’, as movie draws more criticisms

The Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has cautioned Nollywood actor and producer, Yomi Fabiyi over his recently released controversial movie ‘Oko Iyabo’.

On Monday, July 5, Fabiyi shared excerpts from the new movie on his Instagram and YouTube page.

The movie seems based on the travails of alleged pedophile, Baba Ijesha, who was arrested and arraigned in court for allegedly sexually harassing the ward of comedienne, Princess.

However, since the release of the excerpt, many Nigerians, especially other entertainers have continued to criticise Fabiyi and the new movie.

The film, ‘Oko Iyabo’ portrays Princess’s underaged foster daughter as Baba Ijesha’s lover.

It also depicts Baba Ijesha as a victim of a setup orchestrated by Princess.

The characters in the film take on the names of individuals involved in the case including actress, Iyabo Ojo whom the story apparently centers around.

Fans and celebrities, including the movie committee, TAMPAN have now accused the actor of making a movie about Baba Ijesha’s rape saga with real names of those involved in the case, and also reportedly making it look like the minor was having an affair with Baba Ijesha who is now facing trial for alleged child molestation and sexual abuse.

TAMPAN’s Director of Research and Documentation, Yemi Amodu said Fabiyi was invited because the movie has sparked off another round of dissension between the group and the public.

TAMPAN further said that the controversy the subject matter of the movie has generated is against its ethics and virtue.

Members of the public have been asked to exercise patience as ”justice will be delivered.”

The statement published on Monday, July 5;

“The TAMPAN Committee on Ethics, Conflict and Resolution wishes to inform the general public that the association has summoned Mr. Yomi Fabiyi who is the Producer/Director of the controversial film titled “OKO IYABO” to appear before it on Thursday 11th July 2021.

“This invitation becomes very necessary because of the controversy that the subject matter of his film has generated which is against our ethic and virtue.

Despite that, we realize that the film has sparked off another round of dissension between TAMPAN and the public; this is unacceptable to us and unsuitable to what we represent.

“We hereby implore the general public and the parties concerned to please exercise patience as our eminent association is on top of this issue and will certainly ensure fairness and justice.”

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