Yoruba Nollywood actor Murphy Afolabi was laid to rest on Monday amidst a mourning crowd
The burial which was held at his unfinished house in Ikorodu was delayed. The ceremony which was scheduled for 1pm, did not start until 5pm.
The body of the 49-year-old actor arrived at the venue around 5pm. Journalists were initially prevented from covering the burial by youths in the area. They occupied the unfinished building and refused entrance to anyone. The burial ground had already been prepared before the arrival of Afolabi’s body.
As more actors and actresses arrived to pay their respects, the area boys demanded money from the mourning thespians. This caused scenes of pandemonium at the venue. One of the affected individuals was Bolaji Amusan who was blocked from entering the premises. Amusan is the President of the Theatre Arts and Movies Practitioners Association of Nigeria.
Despite the disruptions, colleagues and friends gathered to honor Afolabi’s contributions to the Nigerian film industry. Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), Yemi Ayebo (Yemi My Lover), Mercy Aigbe, Oluwole Coker (Baraka), and Taiwo Akinwande (Yetunde Wunmi) were among the thespians who paid their last respects.
Bolaji Amusan described Afolabi’s demise as a “great loss”. and emphasized the need for those remaining in the industry to maintain good records.
“A great loss to the industry.” said Bolaji Amusan. He emphasized the need for people to maintain a good record. He went to to say Murphy Afolabi was a good person.
Murphy Afolabi was 49 years old when he slipped and fell in the bathroom in his Ajao Estate residence. He is survived by three children.