The Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (TAMPPAN) has indefinitely suspended controversial actor, Yomi Fabiyi, over the release of his latest film ‘Oko Iyabo’.
The film, which has generated a lot of backlash since its release, depicts what appears to be the actor’s account of the sexual assault allegation levelled against Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
‘Oko Iyabo’ is believed to have been so titled as a direct attack against Fabiyi’s colleague, Iyabo Ojo, who has continuously criticised him for his stance on Baba Ijesha’s sexual molestation court case.
Co-Director of the film, Dele Matti, got a three month suspension for his role in bringing such a contentious movie to life. He was reportedly given a mild punishment for admitting guilt and showing remorse.
TAMPPAN also directed that all actors who took part in the film should appear before its Ethics, Conflict and Resolution Committee on Saturday July 24, 2021.
The association made this known on Friday in a statement titled ‘TAMPPAN suspends Yomi Fabiyi indefinitely for gross professional misconduct and unethical practices.’
“Having listened to the detailed defence of Mr. Yomi Fabiyi, who is the Producer/Director of the controversial film ‘Oko Iyabo’ and his Co-Director, Mr. Dele Matti, the Ethic, Conflict and Resolution Committee hereby found them guilty of professional misconduct and unethical practices.
“Although Mr. Yomi Fabiyi insisted that it is his fundamental human right to use his creative talent to produce films that will tell his own account of the trending issue but his Co-Director admitted his fault and regretted his involvement in the film,” the statement read in part.
TAMPPAN pointed out that except “the work of art is a ‘Cinema Verite’, no one is allowed to use real name(s) of other person(s) in a feature film. Therefore, it is professional misconduct to use real name(s), stories, and factual events of person(s) without their consent not to talk of a plot that is denigrating to that person.
“That the story, plot, theme, title, dialogue, names and general content of the film ‘Oko Iyabo’ is a factual presentation that may give rise to prejudice since the matter is already In court.
“His misconducts and unethical practices have impacted negatively on the image and reputation of our association. His Co-Director Mr Dele Matti having shown remorse and admitted his guilt is hereby suspended for three months.”