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Nollywood actor and producer IK Ogbonna has sparked intense conversations across the entertainment industry after openly condemning what he described as deep-rooted politics and manipulative practices within Nigeria’s cinema space.
The outspoken actor took to his Instagram page to express frustration over the treatment of his new movie, “A Very Dirty Christmas,” alleging deliberate efforts to frustrate the film’s success in cinemas nationwide.
According to IK Ogbonna, the team behind the movie invested heavily, dedicating their heart, soul, time, and resources to bring the project to the big screen. However, instead of enjoying a fair cinematic run, they reportedly encountered several obstacles that raised serious concerns about fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s cinema distribution system.
“Politics in Nigeria’s cinema has to stop,” Ogbonna wrote. “We’ve poured our heart, soul, and countless hours into bringing ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ to the big screen, and it’s unacceptable that we’ve encountered these manipulative tactics.”
He alleged that showtimes for the film were repeatedly altered without justification, cinema slots were replaced, and in some instances, the air conditioning was allegedly turned off in halls screening the movie—creating discomfort for viewers. Ogbonna further revealed that celebrities invited for meet-and-greet sessions also had unpleasant experiences, while some cinema staff were accused of subtly discouraging customers from watching certain films.
“Attendees behind the counter manipulate and influence customers, steering them away from certain films. This kind of bias is unacceptable,” he added.
While refraining from naming specific individuals or companies, the actor directly addressed producers allegedly involved in influencing such practices. “To the other producers involved in these tactics: you know yourselves. We won’t name names, but it’s time to stop. You’re part of this industry, and by playing these games, you’re hurting it.” He stressed that producers simply want a fair opportunity to showcase their work and recover investments in an already challenging industry.
In a related development, IK Ogbonna also expressed disappointment over reported threats by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) toward actress Ini Edo regarding her movie title. He questioned the timing of the association’s reaction, noting that promotions for the film had been ongoing for months without objection.
“How Christian is it to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made?” Ogbonna asked, suggesting that the move appeared selective and unfair.
In another post, the actor emphasized the importance of creative rights, insisting that artistic expression should not be dictated by external bodies after due process has been followed. He pointed out that this is precisely why the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) exists—to review and approve films before public release.
“Artists have creative rights, and those rights should not be dictated by external bodies,” he stated, adding that asking for a title change after nationwide release does not align with the values of understanding, fairness, and compassion often associated with Christianity.
As debates continue to rage online, IK Ogbonna’s bold stance has reignited discussions about cinema politics in Nigeria, creative freedom in Nollywood, and the need for a fair and thriving film industry.
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