The uproar that greeted Saturday’s aborted wedding of Nollywood actor, Solomon Akiyesi, recalls the tone of some films in which he has featured, writes Akeem Lasisi
Even if a wound does not desire to be famous, flies who dance round it have a way of bestowing limelight on it. It is a Yoruba proverb, but the universality of a saying like this makes it applicable to Nollywood actor, Solomon Akiyesi, who, for now, is about the most-talked-about player in the industry – although for a confounding reason.
He was caught in the real life drama of having another wedding on Saturday, despite the fact that he was/is already legally married to another woman, Lilian, based in Port Harcourt. Although a good number of actors and musicians have thrown up marriage scandals in recent times, Akiyesi’s case seems legendary. As if it was in a Nollywood film, it took Lilian to burst into the church – Overcomers Church World Outreach – before the wedding could be stopped half way.
The incident has inspired a lot of stories. Some people have been so surprised at the ‘allegation’ against Akiyesi that they want to nickname him a ‘serial groom’ – as it has also been claimed that Saturday’s attempt was the third time he would say ‘I do.’
Well, while the man in the news is reported to have said that people should leave him alone; and that he has a fundamental human right to get married to anyone he likes, Lilian, still like the proverbial poor man whose fowl has been stolen, is not in a hurry to keep quiet. She has continued to fight her case with more facts about the status of their marriage. Also, the leadership of the church has also been trying hard to establish its innocence – although it says it has learnt to conduct more due diligence before tying the knots for future grooms and brides.
There will surely be more jogging of words in the next few days – probably until another celebrity decides to entertain the world with another marriage scandal. But it is a sweet irony that the ‘fame’ that Akiyesi has amassed since the bubble burst has overwhelmed whatever level he had attained as a an actor. Although he has appeared in some movies, he is not an A-list actor. That is why many people have not found it easy to place his face.
A search through Akiyesi’s profile reveals that he acted in Kiss my Pain, a film produced by Ike-God Productions and directed by Ikenna Aniekwe. It is a 2008 movie that features Mike Ezurruonye (Mike), Mercy Johnson (Mum), Yul Edochie (Johnson), Steve Eboh (Chief Obika), among other actors.
In one an online profile, a Solomon Akiyesi also describes himself as an ‘Artistic Director’. He has been a practitioner with the Council for Arts and Culture, Kwara State. According to him, he has been involved with the theatre since his primary school day.
Interestingly, the title of another film in which Akiyesi features is instructive – Fatal Betrayal. In the work, he acts alongside Mercy Johnson, Walter Anga, Angela Okorie, Fred Ebere, Ese Brodricks, Chita Agwu and Sonia Ogiri.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of his career, in relation to his marital life, is the role he is expected to play in God of Zion, a film billed to tell the life history of a leading Nigerian pastor.
Meanwhile, the Overcomers Church World Outreach has distanced itself from Akiyesi, saying he is not a member of the church.
The church said in a public statement, “Mr. Akiyesi is not a member of the Overcomers Church World Outreach. We heard no word of an existing marriage to Mrs. Lilian Akiyesi.
“Many have pointed out that perhaps the Overcomers Church failed to do its due diligence in investigating Mr. Akiyesi thoroughly. We concede the point and will ensure that our Marriage Committee is equipped with a travel fund that will allow travel to visit with family members of engaged couples and ensure both the prospective brides and grooms are in fact who they say they are.
“Ms. Uloma Agwu is a staunch member of the Overcomers Church. We regret that she was deceived by Mr. Akiyesi who lied, not only to her, but her family and Church as well. There is however no dishonesty on her part. She was unaware that a Mrs. Akiyesi already existed.”
Good word from the people of God, although, Lilian insists that Uloma had always known that Akiyesi was married.
PunchNG
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