TAMPAN has suspended Yomi Fabiyi over his recently released movie, “Oko Iyabo”, which many claim trivialised the sexual assault a teenager was subjected to.
The Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners’ Association announced Yomi Fabiyi’s suspension on Friday, July 9, in a statement titled, “TAMPAN suspends Yomi Fabiyi indefinitely for gross professional misconducts & unethical practices.”
The statement read in part, “Having listened to the detailed defense of Mr. Yomi Fabiyi, who is the Producer/Director of the controversial film ‘Oko Iyabo’ and his Co-Director, Mr. Dele Matti, the Ethic, Conflict and Resolution Committee hereby found them guilty of professional misconduct and unethical practices.
“Although Mr. Yomi Fabiyi insisted that it is his fundamental human right to use his creative talent to produce films that will tell his own account of the trending issue but his Co-Director admitted his fault and regretted his involvement in the film.”
TAMPAN also condemned the use of the real names of the people whose story the movie was based on.
The association said that except “the work of art is a ‘Cinema Verite’, no one is allowed to use real name(s) of other person(s) in a feature film.”
The statement continues: “Therefore, it is professional misconduct to use real name(s), stories and factual events of person(s) without their consent not to talk of a plot that is denigrating to that person.
“That the story, plot, theme, title, dialogue, names and general content of the film ‘Oko Iyabo’ is a factual presentation that may give rise to prejudice since the matter is already In court.
“His misconducts and unethical practices have impacted negatively on the image and reputation of our association. His Co-Director Mr. Dele Matti having shown remorse and admitted his guilt is hereby suspended for 3months.”
TAMPAN also said the talents who featured in the film have been summoned to appear before the Ethic, Conflict & Resolution Committee on the 24. July 2021.
Following TAMPAN’s announcement, Yomi Fabiyi took to Instagram, asking those interested in watching the movie to reach out so it can be sent privately to them.
The movie was initially uploaded to YoutTube but was taken down after it was reported.
Yomi also released a statement in reaction to the suspension.
The statement reads: “I am originally ANTP member. Worst case I will renew my membership there.
“I have never obtain or sign any form with TAMPAN or joined any guild. I was made to pay for registration which I did but no form collected or formal procedure.
“The letter is inappropriate, not valid for me as a filmmaker.
“Any reaction if necessary will be on the basis of Human Rights Violation if I so wish to seek judicial redress. You don’t loose what you never had.”
