Popular Nollywood actress Faithia Williams has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding her upcoming biopic, ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn,’ which explores the life of Efunroye Tinubu, a prominent 19th-century Yoruba businesswoman and political figure.
The movie, which has garnered significant attention on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked differing reactions due to Tinubu’s historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
Tinubu (c. 1805–1887) was a powerful figure known for her political and economic influence in Lagos and Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
However, her controversial role in the slave trade has divided public opinion on whether her life story should be portrayed in a biopic.
In a tweet posted by Faithia Williams on October 22, 2024, alongside the movie’s cover image, she wrote: “Power. Trade. Legacy. She was more than a warrior, she was a ruler who rewrote history.”
While some praised Williams for showcasing the story of a powerful Yoruba woman, others criticized the decision to highlight Tinubu’s life, given her ties to the slave trade.
Among the critics was David Hundeyin, a popular X user, who described Tinubu as “the ultimate slave trader” and questioned the glorification of such a controversial figure.
Hundeyin tweeted, “A deliberate decision was made to fund a Nigerian movie lionising not just ‘a’ slave trader but the ultimate slave trader, as in Efunroye Tinubu herself.”
He drew comparisons to a hypothetical film celebrating Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general from the American Civil War.
Similarly, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, expressed disappointment, citing the damaging impact of Tinubu’s enslavement network on the Yoruba people.
He emphasized the ongoing legacy of this dark chapter in Nigerian history and how it continues to affect Nigerians today.
In response to the backlash, Williams issued a statement via X titled, “My response to the reactions trailing my upcoming movie, Efunroye Tinubu,” in which she clarified the purpose behind the film and addressed misconceptions. She stressed that the movie was not intended to glorify or whitewash Tinubu’s divisive legacy but aimed to provide a balanced portrayal of her life.
“With over six million views on my post, I do not take your support for granted—your interest and feedback are truly appreciated. However, the passion and emotions surrounding this project (especially on Twitter), while inspiring, have led to some misconceptions that I would like to clarify.
“Firstly, “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. As a filmmaker, my goal is to bring Nigerian stories to life on screen, and this is no exception.
“The movie is an attempt to present Madam Tinubu’s life in a balanced and nuanced way, showcasing her triumphs, challenges, and the complex legacy she left behind. It is not an effort to reshape or glorify the historical narrative. Like all historical figures, Madam Tinubu’s story is layered, and this film aims to capture both her strengths and controversies.
”I want to emphasize that “Efunroye: The Unicorn” is first and foremost a creative expression meant to entertain, educate, and spark thoughtful conversations. It is not a documentary or a political statement. As with any artistic work, it draws from history but also takes creative liberties to make the story more engaging for modern audiences. I believe that through this film, we can explore important parts of our history, but it is important to understand that it remains a work of fiction inspired by real events.”
