After almost four decades of existence, it appears the umbrella body of Yoruba movie practitioners, ANTP, is set to extinct following statements made by two top members of the body. The two are believed to be sympathetic to the causes of the newly formed TAPMAN and are certain that other disenchanted members of the Ashaolu led ANTP are on their way out of the body.
We learned during the week that some elders had tried to no avail to bring the top members back to the fold.
A top actor who spoke under the condition of anonymity said he had been approached thrice in one month by one of the elders, who staked his credibity on Ashaolu in the past, but is now regretting doing so as the national president was said to have disappointed him
“I have become a laughing stock among members in my state, because I supported Ashaolu and the man has now proved by his authoritarian attitude that he has been a bad choice among others who aspired for the post”.
Weeks ago, some members had issued a communique asking Ashaolu to furnish the house with up-to-date information on its financial situation following allegations that dues were being paid into Ashaolu’s personal account instead of ANTPs.
The communique was signed by members from Oyo Ogun Ondo and Lagos states.
Owing to the crisis, chief Lere Pamo has resigned from ANTP as both acting chairman BoT and also as a member.
In a letter signed by his lawyer, O.L Omoyele addressed to ANTP, Eda wished ANTP members fruitful endeavours.
Eda had earlier called a meeting before the July 11 letter, which was not attended by any of the warring factions.
It is believed that ignoring his call informed his decision to resign.
Those who have left ANTP vowed not to go back to the association again even if Ashaolu resigned.
“I am not going back there again because I am way too into TAPMAN and also my personal things. I have done my best for ANTP let Ashaolu do his best”, another actor told Newsmen in a phone conversation on Thursday.
Plans are on by the actor who said he had a finger burnt for supporting Ashaolu to call a press briefing to explain his role.
Speaking on development, Eda said it was sad that ANTP was still battling with several problems occassioned by bad leadership.
“I voluntarily resigned as the chairman Board of Trustees and I am yet to decide on whether to take the position back or not.”
In his reaction, President Ashaolu disclosed that he was not aware that members had left the association, stressing that should any member decide to leave ANTP for TAMPAN, he would not be bothered. On Eda’s decision to quit as ANTP’s BOT chairman, Ashaolu said “Baba Eda is still the authentic BOT chairman”.
