Justice for Ola: A Call for Accountability and Respect for Film Crew Members
“An injustice to one is an injustice to all.”
This timeless quote resonates now more than ever in the wake of the tragic NK loss of a young, vibrant creative mind—Ola Lawal who sadly lost his life while on duty as an Art Director on a film set.
Ola Lawal was reportedly hired by gospel filmmaker Bola Akande through a third-party arrangement involving Adeola Salako and her husband. He was part of the Art Direction Crew working on a production under Akande’s leadership. In the course of carrying out his duties, the unthinkable happened! Ola Lawal was swept away by water, leading to his untimely death.
His passing is not just heartbreaking it’s a wake-up call to the entire Nigerian film industry about the value of human life, safety standards on set, and the importance of accountability when things go wrong.
As of the time of this writing, Bola Akande, the producer of the film in question, has remained slightly silent on the matter after just a single unclear post on her social media, While reports suggests to Wizopa that the deceased’s family has received some form of compensation, many within the industry and especially the Nigerian Filmmakers Crew Community (NFCC) believe that it’s not enough.
We are not calling for the impossible, we know that Ola Lawal cannot be brought back. What we are demanding, however, is simple: an official public statement from Bola Akande, A press release, Acknowledgment, Accountability.
Why does this matter? Because our lives as crew members matter.
“Crew members are the backbone of every production. We work behind the scenes, often in challenging and risky conditions, to bring stories to life. The least we deserve is respect, transparency, and care from the leadership we serve under. Silence in the face of such a tragic loss sends the wrong message that our lives are disposable” Filmmaker Timi Cried Out.
The NFCC has taken up this cause not just for Ola, but for every crew member who risks their life in the line of duty without adequate safety measures, insurance, or assurance that they will be looked after if the worst happens.
We call upon:
- Bola Akande and her company to break her silence and issue an official press release.
2. Industry leaders to stand up and advocate for the welfare and safety of crew members.
3.The Nigerian Government to step in and ensure that regulations are put in place and enforced to protect lives on film sets.
4.The general public, especially those in the creative space, to raise their voices and support this call for justice.
This is not a talent-hunt. This is a cry for change. For a more responsible industry. For an industry that does not only celebrate the glamour in front of the camera but protects the people behind it.
Justice for Ola is justice for us all.
Let this be the last time a crew member dies in silence.
Sharing this post will go a long way in making it visible to more individuals who can assist and ensure Ola Lawal receives adequate Justice.
May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.
