While the circumstances surrounding Lawal's death remain to be fully detailed, the immediate aftermath has been characterized by a noticeable silence from the filmmaker, a silence that has deeply troubled many within the industry and, more importantly, the grieving family of the deceased.
Adeniyi Johnson, a prominent figure in Nollywood, took to his Instagram platform to articulate his profound grief and disappointment regarding Akande's perceived lack of communication and empathy since the tragic incident. Johnson, however, was careful to clarify that his public address was not an accusation of direct responsibility for Lawal's death against Akande. Instead, his impassioned plea was for the filmmaker to acknowledge the tragedy, offer her perspective on the events that transpired, and crucially, extend support to Ola Lawal's bereaved family.
Johnson's distress was compounded by what he described as an insensitive gesture from Akande. He alleged that shortly after Lawal's passing, Akande requested the account details of Ola's brother – a move that the family reportedly found disrespectful and deeply hurtful in their moment of profound loss. "The father feels disrespected," Johnson stated, highlighting the family's raw emotions and their perception of being further wounded.
Amidst the sorrow and calls for accountability, Johnson singled out veteran actor Segun Okeowo for commendation. He praised Okeowo as the sole individual from the production who has consistently demonstrated genuine empathy and support to Lawal's family. This acknowledgment underscores the perceived void in support from other quarters, particularly from the production's leadership.
The core of Johnson's demand, and what is quickly becoming a rallying cry within a segment of the Nollywood community, is for "justice for OLA’s dignity and a proper burial." He affirmed a commitment to relentlessly pursue accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency and a respectful handling of the aftermath of Lawal's death.
This unfolding situation highlights critical discussions within Nollywood regarding set safety, ethical responsibilities of filmmakers, and the support systems in place for actors and their families in the face of such devastating incidents. As the industry mourns the loss of a promising talent, the calls for answers and proper conduct resonate deeply, seeking to ensure that Ola Lawal's death is not in vain and that lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies.