Less than 24 hours after actor Lateef Adedimeji announced his new movie ‘Lisabi,’ social media has been buzzing with criticism, particularly from Nigerian users on X (formerly Twitter).
The controversy centers on Adedimeji’s decision to have the film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the same director behind the recently released ‘Jagun Jagun,’ produced by Femi Adebayo.
Adedimeji’s announcement, accompanied by promotional images, was initially met with excitement. 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.’
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They contend that by aligning with the same director, Adedimeji risks being seen as unoriginal, especially since both films share a similar Yoruba cultural theme and could be unfavorably compared.
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 appears in multiple films, which they say stifles the growth of emerging talent.
According to them, this trend limits opportunities for young actors to be groomed and to showcase their skills, leading to a lack of fresh faces 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 fueled the backlash. His stance on certain national issues has polarized opinions, with some accusing him of being insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
This has led a section of Adedimeji’s fans to question the wisdom of choosing Akinmolayan as the director for ‘Lisabi,’ fearing that the movie might be tainted by the controversy surrounding him.
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 fueled further speculation, with some users interpreting their silence as a sign of indifference to their fans’ concerns.
‘Lisabi’ is expected to premiere on Netflix on September 21, 2024, a fact that has further intensified 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 fans and critics alike to wait until ‘Lisabi’ is released to see if the film can transcend the controversy and stand on its own merits.
and then