By Peter Dansu A storm of outrage has greeted the release of a Nollywood film titled “Badagry: I Bad, I Gree” , with Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun W...
By Peter Dansu
A storm of outrage has greeted the release of a Nollywood film titled “Badagry: I Bad, I Gree”, with Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency, leading the charge against what he describes as a "gross misrepresentation" of the ancient coastal town.
In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday, Hon. Whingan condemned the film—produced by Destiny Austine Omon and directed by Davison Izegaegbe under Akogun Multimedia Production—as an irresponsible distortion of Badagry’s true identity. He said the movie’s title and promotional materials, which depict scenes of violence, gangsterism, and drug trafficking, are “deeply offensive” and paint a “false, dangerous narrative” about the town and its people.
“The title alone is provocative,” he said. “Badagry is not a land of crime. Badagry is a land of culture, peace, and legacy.”
Whingan, visibly angered by the film's portrayal, described Badagry as a historic, peace-loving community with deep cultural and historical roots—known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade narrative, religious harmony, agriculture, tourism, and education.
“From UNESCO recognition as a place of memory to our proud traditions, Badagry has always stood as a beacon of African resilience and unity,” he stated.
The lawmaker also expressed fears that the film could damage years of efforts to promote Badagry as a tourism and investment destination. According to him, the negative stereotypes embedded in the film could discourage tourists, investors, and stakeholders who do not know the true story of Badagry.
“This is not about stifling creativity,” Whingan clarified. “It’s about ensuring storytelling is rooted in truth, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Our town is not a prop for profit.”
In alignment with the Ogu General Assembly—the apex socio-cultural body of the Badagry-Ogu people—Whingan called for the immediate cancellation of the film’s release and the removal of all promotional content from public view. He also urged the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and other regulatory agencies to step in without delay.
“I have already begun reaching out to the relevant authorities and will explore every legal and legislative route to protect the name, honour, and dignity of Badagry,” he affirmed.
The statement ends with a passionate call to the people of Badagry and Nigerians at large to remain calm but firm in defense of their heritage.
“We will resist any attempt to tarnish our legacy. Our identity will not be reduced to a cliché.”
The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about representation in Nigerian cinema and the responsibilities of filmmakers when depicting real communities. As reactions continue to pour in, all eyes are now on the film’s producers and the regulatory bodies to see what steps will be taken.
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