Barely 24 hours after actor Lateef Adedimeji announced his new movie “Lisabi,” social media has been abuzz with criticism, particularly from Nigerian users on X (formerly Twitter).
The controversy stems from Adedimeji’s choice to have Niyi Akinmolayan, the director of the recently released “Jagun Jagun,” produced by Femi Adebayo, direct the film.
People initially responded to Adedimeji’s announcement with excitement and promotional images.
However, the mood quickly shifted as some fans expressed disappointment over his collaboration with Akinmolayan.
The dissatisfaction largely stems from concerns about Akinmolayan’s political affiliations and his stance on certain national issues, which have been divisive among Nigerians.
Critics on social media argue that Adedimeji’s choice to work with Akinmolayan was ill-advised, particularly following the success of ‘Jagun Jagun’.
They argued that by aligning with the same director, Adedimeji risks being seen as unoriginal, especially since both films share a Yoruba cultural theme and could be compared unfavourably.
Another point of contention raised by X users is the repetitive casting of actors in the Yoruba movie industry.
Some fans complained that the same set of actors appear in multiple films, which they say stifles the growth of emerging talent.
They claim that this trend reduces the opportunities for young actors to develop and demonstrate their skills, which results in a shortage of new talent in the industry.
The critics argued that the Yoruba movie industry needs to diversify its talent pool to encourage creativity and innovation.
They pointed out that continually featuring the same actors can make the industry stagnant and predictable, reducing its appeal to a broader audience.
Akinmolayan’s political views have also fuelled the backlash. His stance on certain national issues has polarised opinions, with some accusing him of being insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
This has led some of Adedimeji’s fans to question the decision to choose Akinmolayan as the director for “Lisabi,” fearing that the controversy surrounding him might taint the film.
In response to the criticism, Akinmolayan took to social media to express his indifference.
“I’ve grown a thick skin,” he said, adding that those who are critical of him should take the time to learn more about his name and his values before passing judgment.
His response, however, did little to calm the anger of some fans, who continued to voice their displeasure online.
Despite the uproar, both Akinmolayan and Adedimeji have remained largely silent on the matter, refraining from engaging in the ongoing social media debate.
The decision to stay quiet has only fuelled further speculation, with some users interpreting their silence as a sign of indifference to their fans’ concerns.
The anticipated Netflix premiere of ‘Lisabi’ on September 21, 2024, has further heightened discussions among fans.
Some worry that the movie might not live up to expectations given the negative sentiment surrounding it, while others remain hopeful that Adedimeji’s star power will draw viewers regardless of the controversy.
However, a source from Adedimeji’s camp urged both fans and critics to wait for the release of “Lisabi” to see if the film can rise above the controversy and stand on its own merits.
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