By: Manoah Kikekon
Destiny Austine Omon, the producer of the upcoming Nollywood movie Badagry, has hit back at critics from the Badagry community, stating that it is unethical to judge a film without watching it first.
His statement comes after backlash from Badagry residents who claim the movie portrays their town in a negative light, tarnishing its rich cultural heritage.
In an exclusive interview with News Peddlers on Thursday, July, 3rd 2025, Omon expressed frustration over the premature criticism. "I'm happy we have many big movie producers from Badagry, and one of the ethics of filmmaking is that you don’t critique a movie you haven’t watched," he said.
"No one has seen the film, yet they are already threatening me on social media. I’m taking note of everything, and I may not take this lightly."
The producer clarified that the movie was not shot in Badagry and does not explicitly identify the setting as the town. "We did not say this is Badagry. It’s a creative representation. The fact that I got inspiration while visiting Badagry is not a crime," he argued.
He also hinted that the controversy has inadvertently boosted the film’s publicity, even catching the attention of President Bola Tinubu.
Omon revealed that the movie received support from the Edo State Government, further legitimizing the project. "As a Nigerian, I won’t open my eyes and insult my country.
This is a work of art," he stated. However, he declined to disclose details about the plot, protagonist, or antagonist, leaving audiences curious ahead of its July 4, 2025, release.
Several Badagry groups have intensified calls for the movie’s cancellation. The Ogu General Assembly (OGA), led by Prof. Jendele Hungbo, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the film "Badagry: I Bad, I Gree" and demanding its indefinite stoppage.
The OGA argues that the film’s title and alleged content misrepresent the Ogu people, glorifying gangsterism and cultism. "We demand the immediate cancellation of the film’s release and the removal of all promotional materials," the statement read. The group threatened legal action if their demands are ignored.
Adding to the pressure, the Worldwide Ogu Concept (WOC), an indigenous group, also condemned the film, describing its portrayal of Badagry as "derogatory and insulting." In a petition signed by Mr. Zannu Joseph, the WOC called on the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board to halt the movie’s release.
The WOC emphasized that Badagry is known for its tourism, hospitality, and economic significance, not crime. "The movie’s title and content are unacceptable. We demand an apology from the producer," the petition stated.
Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, the House of Representatives member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, also condemned the film. In a press statement, he described the portrayal of Badagry as "a deliberate affront" to the town’s heritage.
Whingan called on regulatory bodies to investigate and withdraw the movie, warning that Badagry’s peaceful reputation must not be tarnished. "We will engage the producers through legal channels. Badagry is a historic town, not a den of criminals," he added.
Morka Ray, the Co-founder Kiss the chiled Entertainment describes the recent film industry development as both interesting and worrying. It's interesting because it highlights a crucial need for more creativity and sensitivity in film titles and narratives, urging the industry to be more conscious of its art and societal impact. However, "it's worrying because it risks stifling creative voices through public outrage, setting a dangerous precedent for censorship and self-censorship, which could undermine art's role in critiquing society."
While acknowledging valid concerns about misrepresentation, Ray argues that calls for outright bans are excessive. He advocates for a balance between cultural sensitivity and freedom of expression, encouraging filmmakers to be more thoughtful in their storytelling. Ultimately, he believes such protests can encourage better creative discipline, but warns against suppressing artistic work, which could harm the industry.
Meanwhile when some of the Producer's and Directors from Badagry were contacted, in the persons of Segun Arinze, Viyon Awhanse, Mawuyon Ogun, they also hold the opinion that the producer or filmmakers should have done their research before doing such. We couldn't reach Sewedo Nupowaku, Medeyonmi Akran, Mautin Tairu et al for their insight on the matter