Film marketers ban Kunle Afod and Yewande Adekoya

The Yoruba Video Film Producers/Marketers Association of Nigeria (YOVIFPMAN) has placed a “total ban” on two actors – Kunle Afodunrin (Afod) and Yewande Adekoya – for scrupulous online activities it claims are inimical to their association.

Passing the sanction for the indefinite ban in a statement released on Thursday and signed by its chairman, Alhaji Adbulrasaq Abdullahi, the group disclosed that it is aware of some stakeholders were operating in manners not in line with the association.

“Now all manners of people are taking the advantage of this technology enhance window of distribution to load all manner of films on the internet either censored or uncensored, either legally acquired or not,” the statement read, identifying Kunle Afod and Yewande Adekoya “as being grossly involved in this act that is capable of destabilizing the industry which we have guarded jealously and sustained over the years with huge investments from various other stakeholders.”

YOVIFPMAN also stated that “members of our association nationwide have decided to stop all business dealings with Kunkle Afodunrin and Yewande Adekoya indefinitely at any level in the industry including their associates.”

Hence, the duo have been indefinitely suspended from featuring in any movies to be released by YOVIFPMAN members. The association also directed its members that the duo should also not be used in posters or promotional materials.

Lamenting the adverse effect of piracy in the industry, Abdullahi said the Association has done so much, without support from the Government to fight the scourge of piracy that is impoverishing both the marketers and distributors and the actors at large.

“Technology is another phase in our industry now. We are not going to fold our arms and let it be abused. Any of stakeholders that refused to follow the normal process of releasing Yoruba films into the market will be sanctioned by our Association.

He also said: “…We will continue to be on the lookout together with other relevant guilds and association for others who might also be involved in this shaddy practice as well as actors who partake in such productions and sanctioned them appropriately for the continued stability in the industry.  Our commitment to the Yoruba film industry remains unwavering as we continue to maintain a cordial relationship with all other associations and stakeholders in the industry”