TAMPAN: Why we’ve been silent on Baba Ijesha’s assault case

The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) says it has remained silent on the case against Baba Ijesha, embattled Yoruba actor, due to its faith in the justice system.

Baba Ijesha, who was recently granted bail, has been in a legal tussle since he was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old child.

During a meeting at its Lagos secretariat on Saturday, TAMPAN said it needed to clear certain insinuations making the rounds and comments by some of its members.

“We do not support any form of criminal behaviour. We as an association have stayed away from making comments on Baba Ijesha because we believe in the rule of law, due process, and the ability of the court of law to do justice,” Jide Kosoko, an actor, said on behalf of the group.

“The views expressed by one of us is in no way representative of the opinion or position of the association as he spoke in his personal capacity and not on behalf of TAMPAN. We know that tempers are bound to rise especially with the way he alleged Iyabo Ojo spoke to him on the phone.

“The association does not condone immorality, neither is it the standard in our industry. If two consenting adult decide to have things in common, it doesn’t mean that it’s the standard in practice for the association or our industry.

“There is nowhere it is stated that a female actor must have sex with their male counterparts before she can grow in the industry. Those holding such opinion are doing so in error.

“It has become necessary to state these due to current insinuations. We’re not immoral neither do we condone such. Utterances from the likes of Iyabo Ojo, Nkechi Blessing and others are regarded as unfortunate.”

While reading the association’s verdict on unfolding developments in the industry as well as recent tussles between actors and actresses, Kosoko, said TAMPAN will no longer tolerate the ridicule to which it is being subjected to online.

“Individual characters and attitude should not be a parameter to measure the ability of the association. Misconduct of thespians should not be taken to mean misconduct be of the association,” TAMPAN further said.

“We frown at the rush to social media to vent anger against slightest provocations by members and practitioners as it has variously brought public ridicule to the industry and our association.

“We say enough of using the social media to fight eachother as the association has mechanisms for dispute resolution without partisanship. The practice will not be tolerated henceforth.”