Nigerians have criticized famous Nollywood actor Yul Edochie over his comment on his late colleague John Paul Odonwodo, popularly called Junior Pope.
Edochie claimed Junior Pope betrayed him repeatedly, despite his being there for him during his times of need.
According to Edochie, it was the reason he shunned Junior Pope’s burial in Enugu State on Friday.
He mentioned that he wanted to wait until after Junior Pope’s burial before he revealed how the late actor betrayed him.
In a statement on his Instagram story, Edochie said, “I took him like a brother and a good friend. I was there for him when he needed me. But he stabbed me in the back repeatedly. That’s life!”
The actor’s accusation has since irritated Nigerians, with many questioning his sanity while others called for his rehabilitation.
Reacting to his statement, social media critic Daniel Regha described the actor’s statement as “absolute disrespect.”
Arguing that Edochie “is trying to bring up unnecessary conversations about Jnr. Pope,” Regha berated the actor for keeping quiet about the issue while Junior Pope was alive.
“Any issue that wasn’t raised when someone was alive should remain buried after their demise; Yul Edochie is trying to bring up unnecessary conversations about Jnr. Pope but couldn’t speak when Pope was alive? Talk about absolute disrespect. RIP to the deceased,” Regha stated.
Alleging that the actor is using the death of his colleague to chase clout, Chukwuebuka, in a comment on X, said, “I don’t know why he wouldn’t allow the dead to rest in peace. Why is he bringing it up now? Heartless people. Clouting over someone’s death”
“Mr. Yul, since you didn’t bring it up when he was alive, you should forever remain silent. Nobody wants to hear about it.
“Bringing up an argument with the dead
is like fighting the spirit. Allow the spirit to rest because we can’t hear his side of the story,” another X user, Frank, stated.
In her reaction, Betty Nwabunike said, “When they say common sense isn’t common, now one can clearly understand. Certain issues in certain situations are best left unsaid.
“It’s good to have a wise partner, wise husband or wife, friend, or family. One who can advise you or tell you certain issues is best left unsaid.
“For instance, you said be careful what you wish, meaning what Jnior pope wished you had happened to him, right? That is my understanding, and I may be wrong.
“If that is the case, why not rest and tell yourself privately that God has won the battle for you yet you say you want to come out and post more? Well, I wish you the best, sir. May Junior Pope’s soul rest in peace.”
“Mr. Yul Edochie has made himself a public enemy because of Judy Austin. Just because Junior Pope did not support your miserable polygamy, you claim he betrayed you. Are you the first person to ever marry two wives? Why is your situation so miserable? Troubled soul. Continue mocking the dead,” Lekki Diva said.
Describing the actor as a disgrace to his father, veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie, Felix Emeka questioned Yul’s sanity, saying, “This guy has completely lost it. You kept quiet when Junior Pope was still alive to defend himself, but you are now coming out to yarn rubbish. Great Pete Edochie will be tired of this boy.”
Loleh Jemimah argues in her response, “It is safe to say Yul is the reflection of the woman he is with. When Yul was with May, he was mature and highly respected, but I seriously can’t understand how he moved from one of the most respectful actors to the clown that he is now.”
