Nollywood actors have responded to a video circulating on social media featuring a Muslim cleric openly expressing his inability to offer prayers for the departed soul of Nigerian actor Murphy Afolabi.
According to Islamic customs, it is customary to supplicate for the souls of the dead, seeking their goodwill.
Murphy Afolabi, who tragically succumbed to a brief illness on the morning of May 14, was highly cherished both within and beyond the Nollywood community.
In a widely shared video, a Muslim cleric responded to the news of the actor’s demise and an alleged request from individuals to pray for his departed soul. The religious leader explicitly stated his inability to offer prayers for Murphy, despite his Islamic faith.
He stated that even though Murphy Afolabi was a follower of Islam, his portrayal of herbalist characters, involvement in sacrificial rituals, and use of incantations could not be disregarded.
Furthermore, the Alfa emphasized that despite the actor’s intention of merely playing a role, such actions contradicted his religious beliefs.
In response to this stance, prominent actors such as Folorunsho Adeola, Yetunde Alabi, Yemi Solade, and Funmi Awelewa, as well as OAP Do2dtun, among others, strongly criticized the cleric’s convictions.
On the other hand, certain individuals expressed their agreement with the cleric, asserting that he adopted the correct stance in accordance with Islamic principles.
Murphy Afolabi, the actor hailing from Osogbo and renowned for his distinctive Yoruba dialect, was laid to rest at his residence in Ikorodu, specifically in Owoniboys neighborhood, Mopelufa, in Lagos State.
The funeral ceremony drew a large gathering of grieving friends, family members, and sympathizers. Afolabi, who recently celebrated his 49th birthday on May 5, tragically passed away on Sunday after reportedly experiencing sudden vomiting and collapsing.
Reporters visited his residence and noticed that several young individuals in the vicinity gathered around his unfinished structure, obstructing the media from documenting or reporting on the burial site.
Their interference continued until the evening, when the burial finally occurred, allowing journalists to capture the event
