Nollywood actor, IK Ogbonna, has publicly supported his colleague, Ini Edo, following objections raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding the title of her recently released movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.
Okay News reports that Ogbonna, in a statement shared on his Instagram story on Monday, expressed frustration with CAN for raising concerns only after the movie had been released and garnered nationwide attention.
He highlighted that the film’s title had been promoted publicly for months without any objection from CAN, and stressed that the production proceeded after obtaining official approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
“TBH! I am deeply disappointed with CAN. You saw the promotions for this title for months and said nothing,” Ogbonna wrote.
The actor further emphasized that the movie’s title had been officially approved by the censorship authorities and that the producers acted in good faith throughout the process.
“The movie title was officially approved by the Censors Board, and we moved forward in good faith,” he added.
Ogbonna questioned the timing of CAN’s intervention, describing it as inconsistent and unfair, particularly since the movie is currently screening in cinemas and performing well.
“Now that the film is out, showing nationwide and doing well, suddenly there’s an issue with the title,” he wrote. “How Christian is it to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made?”
He clarified that his statement was not intended to create conflict but to call for fairness and integrity in handling such issues.
“This isn’t about conflict – it’s about fairness, consistency, and integrity,” Ogbonna concluded.
Earlier, Ini Edo, a veteran Nigerian actress, appealed to both regulators and the public not to withdraw the movie from cinemas. She insisted that the controversy revolves solely around the title and does not ridicule Christianity.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Edo urged, “Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it.”
She further pledged to take personal responsibility should the content be found offensive to Christians or God. “If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she added.
Edo explained that the intention behind A Very Dirty Christmas was never to demean Christianity or Christendom. “We chose A Very Dirty Christmas. It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God,” she said, clarifying that the storyline centers on family conflicts and secrets rather than religious mockery.
The National Film and Video Censors Board acknowledged public concerns raised by CAN but stated that the movie’s title had initially been approved. The board confirmed that it requested a modification to the title in response to public sentiment and emphasized that its actions are guided by the enabling Act, which allows the withdrawal of a film for review if deemed in the public interest.
