Criticisms greet plans to sell branded Moji Olaiya T-Shirts

The burial committee announced the T-shirt offer on Friday while unveiling the burial plans for the actress, who died on May 17, three months after delivering a baby girl in Canada.

She died of cardiac arrest, aged 42 years old.

The burial committee Publicity Secretary, Yomi Fabiyi, said people interested in participating in the burial, which starts on Tuesday, June 6, could buy the T-shirts.

This, however, contradicted the message in the obituary published by the burial committee, asking mourners and sympathisers to wear corporate black outfits at the two-day event, culminating in the interment at Ikoyi Cemetery.

Olaiya’s body would arrive in Lagos from Canada on June 6, the same day that a service of songs is billed to take place at 4pm at the Blue Roof of LTV 8 in Ikeja, Lagos.

Lying-in-state and interment would follow on Wednesday June 7, at Ebony Vault, Ikoyi Cemetery.

Of all the plans, the T-shirt sale has been the only one stirring controversy.

Most critics are of the opinion that since she died at a very young age, it is wrong printing T-shirts, as if her death amounted to a celebration.

A civil servant, Mrs. Damilola Ahmed, said the burial committee has turned the 42-year-old woman’s painful death into money-making venture.

“What kind of stupid T-shirt are they selling and for what? They are laughing, not crying for her. And they announced it to the public,’’ Ahmed said.

A businesswoman, Mrs Iyabo Olaitan, said that instead of the burial planners to make the ceremony low key, they are selling T-shirts.

“For what? she said. They should rather beg God to spare their own lives.”

“They are bad people; anybody that suggested that is not a good person. She is still very young for that,” she added.

A student of Lagos State University, Mr. Nwosu Igbo, asked: “How can a young woman’s death after childbirth make people talk about selling T-shirt? They are doing business with her. Are they happy about the death? What for? Na wah o for Nigerians!

“Would people still be wearing the T-shirt after her burial? How will the family react seeing the shirt after that?

“Her death was bad enough; the T-Shirt is not necessary. Her parents are still alive. They will always remember her,’’ he said.

A civil servant, Mr. Abiodun Bello, said that “when they (referring to Nollywood actors)were asked to contribute money to bring her corpse back to Nigeria from Canada, they did not.

“Now, they have money to do T shirt. This is bad. They should have reflected deeply before announcing it.

“My people so much like uniform. This cannot happen in every event. This one is a sad one. I know some of them will like it, but of what use?’’ he said.

A member of the burial committee, Taiwo Banky, appeared to distance the committee from the T-shirt idea.

She told NAN: “Is this why you are calling me? The idea is from her childhood friend, it is not from me.”

Moji Olaiya was the daughter of the legendary Nigerian high life maestro, Victor Olaiya. She converted to Islam in 2014.

Her acting career started with a feature movie Sunmibare, which was produced by Dimeji Ijaduade; before she took a role in Wale Adenuga productions’ Super Story series, No Pain, No Gain.

She starred in many Nollywood and Yoruba movies, among which were Sade Blade-2005, Nkan Adun-2008; Omo Iya Meta Leyi-2009; Agunbaniro, among others.

She produced a film, Iya Oko Mi, which premiered in 2016.

She won some awards during her career. She was nominated for the Reel Awards for Best Supporting Actress of the Year 2003. She won the City People Entertainment Award, as well.

In 2015, the FCT Nigerian Police Force honoured her as a role model for Nigerian youths