Badagry cultural film controversy erupts as indigenes oppose a movie they claim maligns their heritage, echoing past outrage over Gangs of Lagos
Badagry cultural film controversy has erupted again, echoing the uproar stirred by the 2023 film Gangs of Lagos. This time, the focus is on a yet-to-be-released movie originally titled Badagry (I Bad I Gree), which many indigenes argue defames the historic town’s heritage.
Amid widespread criticism and mounting pressure, the film’s producers have since changed the title to I Bad.
Directed by Davison Izegaegbe and produced by Destiny Austine Omon, the film features a star-studded cast including Alex Osifo, Yemi Blaq, Jude Orhorha, Nike Adams, and Christian Alex.
Despite its impressive lineup, the film has drawn ire from cultural stakeholders who believe it paints a negative image of Badagry, a town with deep historical and cultural significance in West Africa.
The original backlash mirrors the response to Gangs of Lagos, a movie that faced legal threats and public condemnation for depicting the Eyo masquerade as part of a criminal gang.
That portrayal was deemed sacrilegious by the Isale Eko Descendant Union, the Oba of Lagos, and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism. They argued it misrepresented a revered cultural icon and disrespected Yoruba tradition.
Television and film producer Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin voiced strong opposition to I Bad I Gree, calling it “dead on arrival” and accusing it of maligning the identity of Badagry.
He insisted the film has no cultural relevance to the town despite being shot there. “The only way that film will ever get released in this country is if they change the title,” he said.
Alabi-Hundeyin confirmed that a group of nine Badagry indigenes had petitioned the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). He also revealed that he contacted the Director-General, Shaibu Husseini, who assured him that the producers were being engaged over the matter.
According to the DG, the filmmakers justified the title by citing the filming location, though the content of the movie is entirely a crime story.
“The DG said he immediately contacted the producers, who claimed they named it so because it was shot in Badagry. But the content is a crime story that has nothing to do with Badagry,” Alabi-Hundeyin explained.
Following the uproar, producer Destiny Austine Omon took to Instagram to announce a change in title. He posted a redesigned movie poster bearing the title I Bad and added the caption: “Title changed.
We move.” While this may seem like a concession, critics remain sceptical about the film’s content and its potential impact on the town’s cultural perception.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin also amplified Alabi-Hundeyin’s concerns by sharing his statement on social media. This move further highlights the sensitivity surrounding cultural representation in Nigerian cinema and the growing insistence on respectful storytelling.
“This is about safeguarding our identity,” said one concerned Badagry native who preferred anonymity. “It’s not just about a title. When people see this film, they will associate our community with crime and vice. That is not who we are.”
The controversy underscores a growing call for filmmakers to approach indigenous narratives with care and authenticity. As the Nigerian film industry continues to grow in influence, so does the responsibility to protect cultural narratives from misrepresentation.
With the Badagry cultural film controversy unfolding so soon after the Gangs of Lagos incident, it’s clear that heritage-based storytelling in Nigeria is under greater scrutiny than ever before.
How the industry responds will shape not just future productions, but also public trust in Nollywood’s role as a custodian of national identity.
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