‘Efunroye Tinubu’: Faithia Balogun bows to pressure, explains intent amid social media backlash
Amid the backlash and reactions that trailed the announcement of her upcoming movie, Nollywood actress Faithia Balogun has provided clarification on the purpose and intent behind “Efunroye: The Unicorn.”
The movie, which centers around the life of historical figure Madam Efunroye Tinubu, has sparked significant conversations online, with some fans and critics questioning the motivations behind the project.
This response from Faithia follows days of heated reactions across social media, with many users expressing concerns about whether the film aims to glorify or reshape the legacy of Madam Tinubu, figure whose story is often seen as controversial.
Many Nigerians feel strongly about their history, especially when it comes to figures like Tinubu, whose life was marked by both achievements and controversies.
Faithia, however, emphasised that “Efunroye: The Unicorn” is not intended to glorify or whitewash Tinubu’s life, nor is it politically motivated. She stated that her primary aim as a filmmaker is to bring Nigerian stories to life on screen, capturing the depth and complexity of historical characters.
According to her, this project is purely a work of artistic storytelling, with no agenda beyond presenting an intriguing and balanced portrayal.
“I am deeply thankful to both my loyal fans and non-fans for the overwhelming support this project is receiving,” Faithia said.
She acknowledged the mix of emotions surrounding the movie, particularly on social media platforms like Twitter, where the topic has seen intense debate. She noted that while the discussions are inspiring, some misconceptions have arisen about the film’s purpose.
Faithia stressed that the movie is meant to be a balanced depiction of Madam Tinubu’s life, showcasing her triumphs as well as her struggles and the legacy she left behind.
She reiterated that the film is not a documentary but rather a creative interpretation intended to entertain, educate, and spark thoughtful conversations. Her approach to Tinubu’s story is not an effort to alter historical narratives but rather to bring a multifaceted character to life.
The actress further explained that, like all historical figures, Madam Tinubu’s story is complex and layered. Through this project, Faithia hopes to portray her as a person of both strengths and controversies, highlighting different aspects of her life.
This movie, she shared, is designed to engage modern audiences and encourage them to reflect on Nigerian history, while understanding that certain creative liberties have been taken to enhance the storytelling.
She clarified that her intent was to create an authentic yet accessible portrayal of Tinubu, one that resonates with viewers but remains rooted in historical inspiration. As a creative work, the film aims to bridge the gap between historical narrative and modern audience engagement, presenting a story that, while fictionalized, draws heavily from real events and historical figures.
The actress was also quick to emphasised that “Efunroye: The Unicorn” remains in the early stages of development and has not yet been filmed. The movie is still in its planning and pre-production phases, a period during which Faithia and her team are committed to ensuring the story is crafted thoughtfully.
“This is a significant project,” she said, “and my team and I are working diligently to ensure it comes to life with the care and attention it deserves.”
Acknowledging the six million views on her social media post announcing the film, Faithia expressed deep appreciation for the support and feedback she’s received. She said she does not take this engagement for granted, recognising that her followers’ interest highlights their passion for Nigerian history and storytelling.
According to her, this engagement inspires her to create a work that reflects that passion.
Faithia reiterated that the movie, first and foremost, is a work of art, meant to be viewed with an open mind. While she acknowledges the polarized reactions the project has received, she is hopeful that viewers will approach the film objectively, appreciating it as an effort to explore and celebrate Nigerian history in a creative format.
The actress clarified once again that the film does not carry any political intent or affiliations. She reassured her audience that she had no interest in pushing any agenda beyond her commitment to creating engaging cinematic experiences. “Efunroye: The Unicorn” is not designed to be a political statement, she said, but rather a narrative exploration of a historical figure’s impact.
Faithia wrapped up her statement by urging audiences to embrace the film as a piece of creative expression that pays homage to Nigerian history.
She hoped that the movie, once completed, will be seen as an educational and entertaining work of art, not as a definitive historical account but as an inspired interpretation.
