Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has publicly backed his colleague and friend, Ini Edo, following criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.
In a statement shared on his Instagram story on Monday, Ogbonna expressed disappointment with CAN, accusing the body of raising objections only after the film had been released and gained nationwide attention. He noted that the title had been promoted publicly for months without objection and that the production had proceeded after obtaining 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. He added that the film’s title was officially approved and that the producers acted in good faith.
Ogbonna questioned the timing of CAN’s intervention, calling it unfair and inconsistent, especially given that the movie is now showing in cinemas and performing well. “Now that the film is out, showing nationwide and doing well, suddenly there’s an issue with the title. How Christian is it to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made?” he asked.
Earlier, Ini Edo appealed to regulators and the public not to withdraw the film from cinemas, insisting that it does not ridicule Christianity. In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Edo urged audiences to watch the movie before passing judgment.
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“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 said, adding that she would personally bear any consequences if the content was found to dishonour God or Christians.
Edo explained that the title was never intended to demean the Christian faith, noting that the film focuses on family conflicts and secrets rather than religious ridicule. “This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians,” she said.
Responding to the controversy, the NFVCB said it had asked the producer to modify the movie’s title while acknowledging public concerns raised by CAN. The Board stated that it had requested a change to the title in the spirit of dialogue, noting that public perception and reception are key elements of effective regulation and that it retains the authority to withdraw a film for further review if deemed necessary in the public interest.