Encomium
ACCOMPLISHED actor cum film maker, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr. Latin, has perfected plans to relocate to his home state, Osun after living in Abeokuta, Ogun State for four decades.
ENCOMIUM Weekly was informed by an industry source that the comic role interpreter’s decision to move out of the state he has also contributed to its development, entertainment wise, was not unconnected with the alleged marginalization by his colleagues who are indigenes of the state.
According to the source, what actually triggered Mr. Latin’s action was the recent visit to Governor Ibikunle Amosun by the Ogun born entertainers, including Olu Jacobs, Dele Odule, Taiwo Hassan, Shefiu Alao, Ebun Oloyede, Tunji Bamishigbin, Dimeji, Soji Taiwo and others, which tactically excluded the famous thespian and Odunlade Adekola, on account of the fact that they are non-indigenes.
The source said further that the said discrimination arose because of the group’s anticipation of the governor’s largesse, which indeed came to pass as they reportedly smiled home with about N10 million.
However, the source revealed that the group had earlier met in Mr. Latin’s office before proceeding to Government House where the governor hosted them lavishly. But Mr. Latin, whose office was used for the said meeting, the source disclosed, was not invited.
Since the incident, the Gbongan, Osun born comedian, who according to the source, said he could interpret the handwriting on the wall; hence the decision to go back home and identify with his own people.
“Very soon, Mr. Latin will move his family to Osun, his state of origin. I learnt he has perfected plans to ensure that is achieved any moment from now.
“What I learnt informed his decision was that other entertainers who are indigenes of Ogun State have started excluding him from some important decisions on entertainment in the state. Even, in December 2013, I learnt they all visited Governor Amosun and they were given about N10 million. But when they were to share the money, they left out Mr. Latin and Odunlade Adekola. I learnt the decision didn’t go down well with Mr. Latin, and he has since made up his mind to go back to his state.
“Mr. Latin had even paid Governor Aregebsola a courtesy visit in the bid to facilitate his relocation. And I learnt he has been negotiating with the governor on how he could move his foundation office to Osogbo, capital of the state,” the source added.
Confirming the development on Saturday, February 8, 2014, the versatile entertainer said, “Out of every rumour, there is always an element of truth. But left to me, there is nothing wrong in flashing back at one’s home. Osun is my state of origin, and there is no place like home. Whatever step I take, I have reason for it. But all I know is that I have lived in Abeokuta, Ogun State for 40 years. I came to Abeokuta in 1974. Since, I have been contributing my quota to the development of the state, especially in the aspect of entertainment. The headquarters of my foundation, my personal office, house and everything I have achieved are in Abeokuta. To cap it all, I also married from there. That’s where I have been paying my tax without failing. But if I am being shown the way out of the state by my colleagues, that means I have been reminded of where I came from, and there is nothing wrong in that. Even Odunlade Adekola that was born in Abeokuta is also being discriminated against. So, what are we saying?”
– TADE ASIFAT
