Nollywood filmmaker Faithia Williams Balogun has responded to the heated discussions following the announcement of her new movie, Efunroye: The Unicorn. The film centers around Efunroye Osuntinubu, a notable Yoruba aristocrat and merchant born in 1805, who played a significant role in trade during pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria. However, her history as a slave trader has sparked controversy among netizens.
On October 23, 2024, Faithia shared the film’s poster on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Power, Trade, Legacy,” prompting discussions about the complexities of Osuntinubu’s legacy. She acknowledged the negative feedback, explaining that the film is not meant to glorify or sanitize a controversial historical figure.
In her post, Faithia stated:
“Efunroye: The Unicorn is not a promotional piece intended to glorify or whitewash a divisive historical figure like Madam Efunroye Tinubu. Nor does it carry any political intent or affiliation. This film is purely a work of artistic interpretation and storytelling. My goal is to bring Nigerian stories to life on screen, showcasing Madam Tinubu’s life in a balanced and nuanced way—highlighting both her triumphs and challenges.”
She emphasized that while the film is inspired by true events, it takes creative liberties to engage modern audiences. Faithia expressed the importance of exploring historical narratives and how they are layered, stating:
“Like all historical figures, Madam Tinubu’s story is layered, and this film aims to capture both her strengths and controversies. Through this film, we can explore important parts of our history, but it is crucial to understand that it remains a work of fiction inspired by real events.”
Faithia’s commitment to presenting a multifaceted view of Osuntinubu aims to foster a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s past while navigating the complexities of its historical figures. The film is set to be released soon, and Faithia encourages audiences to engage with the story it tells.