Entertainment

Faithia Williams Clarifies Intentions Behind Upcoming Biopic ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’ Amid Mixed Reactions

Written by Jerry Alomatu on October 25, 2024

News Views: 354

Nollywood actress Faithia Williams has addressed the intentions behind her forthcoming biopic, Efunroye, The Unicorn, following widespread reactions on social media. The film centres on Efunroye Tinubu, a prominent 19th-century Yoruba businesswoman and political figure known for her influence in Lagos and Abeokuta.

The movie has sparked heated discussions, with some netizens praising Williams’ efforts to depict a powerful historical figure, while others criticized the project, arguing that it glorifies a controversial figure associated with the slave trade era.

One user, David Hundeyin, referred to Tinubu as an “ultimate slave trader,” and expressed strong disapproval of the film. Similarly, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, 2023 Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Lagos, highlighted the adverse impact of Tinubu’s alleged involvement in human trafficking on the Yoruba people.

Amid the backlash, Williams took to X to clarify the movie’s purpose. In a statement titled “My response to the reactions trailing my upcoming movie, Efunroye Tinubu,” she emphasized that the film is a work of creative storytelling and not a political statement. “Efunroye: The Unicorn is not a promotional piece intended to glorify or whitewash a divisive historical figure… It is an attempt to present her life in a balanced and nuanced way, showcasing her triumphs, challenges, and the complex legacy she left behind,” she wrote.

The actress noted that the film, currently in development, aims to educate, entertain, and spark thoughtful conversations by presenting a layered narrative inspired by real events, while taking creative liberties.