Encomium
THE family of ailing thespian, Kayode Odumosu, popularly called Pa Kasumu, has rubbished social media report by an unidentified member of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP0, accusing the family of being greedy and fraudulent in the management of the funds raised for the maintenance of the comic actor’s health, adding that it’s not only ridiculous but malicious.
Speaking on behalf of the Odumosus, Mrs. Idowu Olajide who also doubles as the co-ordinator, Save Pa Kasumu Initiative expressed bitterness about the publication. She, therefore, called on those sponsoring it to desist or face the wrath of God.
She further described those peddling the baseless rumour as lazy, wicked and disgruntled individuals who are only interested in inciting the public against the family.
“Our attention has been drawn to some reports on some blogs. We learnt some members of ANTP are the ones behind them. They are saying all sorts of things about Pa Kasumu’s family on the donations given to him concerning his health situation. They are accusing us of being greedy and fraudulent and all that. They even said the amount realized so far should be enough to take care of Pa Kasumu. So, why are we still pleading for more from the public? It’s unfair for anybody to be insinuating rubbish. Anybody who can’t help should not discourage those who are willing to do so.
“The man still needs more support from the people. We are still appealing to all kind-hearted Nigerians to come to Pa Kasumu’s aid irrespective of whatever anybody may be saying. The amount raised so far can’t be enough to take care of him, and it’s very obvious. Nobody among us has ulterior motive, we’re all working towards ensuring that Pa Kasumu’s health is restored. So, people should stop peddling unnecessary rumour.
“Anyway, we are planning to issue a press statement on the issue soon,” she added.
Asked to comment on another social media report that some members of ANTP, Ogun State chapter are fighting over N600,000 allegedly collected from an undisclosed businessman on behalf of Pa Kasumu, she reacted, “I also read it on the internet but we’re not aware of anything like that. So, I can’t comment on it.”
ENCOMIUM Weekly contacted ANTP national leader, Jide Kosoko on Saturday, November 16, 2013, on the allegations. The Lagos born actor cum film maker quickly dissociated self and the entire association from the purported publications, saying it’s all rubbish. “As far as I am concerned, we members of ANTP are not medical doctors. What Pa Kasumu told us is what we believe, and there is a medical report to substantiate his claim. So, who are the people among us that could be saying that rubbish? I don’t think so. Pa Kasumu’s health issue gives us concern. So, my prayer is that God will restore his health. Also, about the N600,000 you’re talking about, I don’t know anything about it. So, I dissociate myself and the entire association from such issues. The only money I am aware of from Ogun State was the donation by Governor Ibikunle Amosun which was facilitated by our people there. So, anyone apart from that, I don’t know anything about it.”
– TADE ASIFAT
