Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has taken issue with a statement made by his colleague, Aisha Lawal, regarding the ownership of Nollywood.
Aisha Lawal had claimed in an interview that Yoruba actors and filmmakers “own Nollywood” because they were the ones who initiated it.
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Responding to her statement, Gideon used his Instagram page to criticize her perspective. He firmly stated that Nollywood is not owned by any specific tribe, emphasizing that it’s a collective effort. He further conveyed that the separatist behavior exhibited by such claims reflects an ignorant sense of entitlement.
Gideon’s post read: “The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood as it is called, is not owned by the Yorubas. The Gold in the North of Nigeria is not owned by the Hausas.
The oil in the south and South East is not owned by the Igbo or Riverine dwellers. The acronym WA-ZO-BIA is a wrapper that ties and joins us all, by the hip.
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One belle button, stop being uber ridiculous with your blinded quest for individuality. Your separatist behaviour reeks of ignorant entitlement. Your Education(?) is Nothing, if it can’t impart a positive, inclusive change in the world around You. Spits —> TUEH! N O N E S E N S E.”
Gideon’s response underscores the importance of unity and inclusivity, particularly in a diverse country like Nigeria, where various cultures and ethnicities contribute to the country’s growth and development.
