Where Is Emeka Rising?

This was the question being asked by many actors who attended the Night of Tributes organised in memory of the late actor, Enebeli Elebuwa at the National Stadium, Lagos, last week. The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Chairman, Lagos Chapter, Emeka Rising-Ibeh, was conspicously missing at the event.

While the absence of Rising-Ibeh came as a surprise to many, considering the fact that the event was held in his constituency, there were allegations by some sections that he deliberately shunned the event.

He was said to have refused to attend the event because he is not on good terms with the Ibinabo-led national body of the guild.

“He wanted them to give him money to organise the event, but the request was turned down because of the controversies that characterised Ashley Nwosu’s candlelight procession which he organised,” a source said.

Speaking with Nollywood Reel on phone yesterday, Rising confirmed that he intentionally decided to boycott the Night of Tributes.

“Yes, I decided to stay back because our new President doesn’t know what it means to run an association constitutionally. She did not carry me along while making plans for the event, which is wrong. I even challenged her on that, but she called my bluff. I had to walk away because I didn’t want to lose my temper.

“Enebeli Elebuwa was a veteran and a bonafide member of the Lagos State Chapter of AGN, and as the Chairman, I have the right to be involved in everything that pertains to his burial, just like I did two years ago when Ashley Nwosu died,” Rising defended.

Elebuwa’s final journey began with the Night of Tributes on Wednesday. On Thursday, there was a Christian wake-keep at NTA Channel 10 ground, Tejuosho, Yaba, Lagos.

On Friday, a requiem mass was held at St Micheal’s Catholic Church. It was followed by his interment at Victoria Court Cemetery, Ajah.

Some of the actors who honoured the deceased with their presence include Richard Mofe Damijo, Zack Orji, Rita Dominic, Okey Bakassi, Julius Agwu, Segun Arinze, Uche Jombo and Desmond Elliot.