Junior Pope's Death: "Danger of Not Burying Actor By Riverside", Herbalist Explains

• A traditionalist, popularly referred to as Babalawo, Olúwo Jogbodo Orunmila, has explained the implication of not burying someone who dies in the river by the riverbank
• Orunmila's explanation follows the controversies trailing the death of Nollywood actor Junior Pope in a rece
• In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Babalawo explained that tradition dictates that the riverbank should bury anyone who dies in the river to prevent a recurrence of such incidents

Legit.ng journalist Bada Yusuf is an accomplished politics and current affairs editor, boasting over seven years of experience in journalism and writing.

Olúwo Jogbodo Orunmila, a herbalist, has explained the danger of not burying anyone who dies in the river by the riverside to the communities around the river.

In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, the traditionalist explained that according to elders' beliefs, individuals who die in the river are considered sacrificial victims, and not burying them at the riverside could result in further fatalities

Read also

Junior Pope’s death: Police give fresh update on burial of actor, other victims

Babalawo's comment comes amid the controversies surrounding the burial of Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, popularly referred to as Junior Pope.

What killed Junior Pope?

Junior Pope passed away with three others on Wednesday, April 10, after their boat capsised at a film location in the Anam River in Anambra state.

Speaking on the traditional implication, Babalawo said:

"A person who died inside a river must be buried by the river bank. They are called Olu wo (o lu wo), which means literally the one who enters spiritually. It means someone who enters a realm that he or she was not meant to.

"It is the belief of the elders that this person has been used as a sacrifice, so to avoid multiple deaths in the same way, they have to bury him or her by the river bank and also do rituals to appease the spirit of the river so it won't happen again.

Read also

Tragedy as man kills 100-year-old mum, gives reason, police react

"Just like a person who hangs himself or a woman who died at childbirth with a child, all these deaths have significant meanings and ways of burying them. And places to bury them.

FCT police spokesperson mourns Junior Pope

Legit.ng earlier reported that prominent Nigerians have continued to mourn the death of Junior Pope.

The police public relations officer of the FCT police command, SP Josephine Adeh, paid her tribute to the late actor.

The police official said she became traumatised the moment she saw news of his death.

Adeh also said she was helpless for hours because she was a big fan of Junior Pope.

Source: Legit.ng