Adedibu family demands ₦500 million from biopic film producer, Oloketuyi

By Damilola Akinwale –

The family of late politician Lamidi Adedibu has demanded ₦500 million in damages from filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi over his biopic, Adedibu: Alagbara Ibadan, alleging that it contains false accounts of the late politician’s private life and career. Oloketuyi has rejected the allegations, insisting that the film draws on public records.

The dispute followed the premiere of the movie on Libra TV’s YouTube channel on October 4. The film chronicles Adedibu’s life, political rise, relationships and influence in Oyo State.

In a letter dated October 5, 2026, Blossom Chambers, acting for the administrators and administratrix of Adedibu’s estate and his family, alleged that the filmmakers produced and published the film without consulting the family or obtaining its consent.

The family objected to the film’s portrayal of Adedibu’s early years, family, private life and lifestyle, which it said presented him as morally depraved. It also disputed claims that he rigged elections through violence, used “amala politics” to enslave Ibadan residents and was a “puppet of doom”. The family demanded the film’s removal, a public apology and ₦500 million in damages within 48 hours, threatening legal action and complaints to YouTube and the police.

However, Oloketuyi, through his lawyers at ASALAW, rejected the demands in a letter dated October 7, 2026, insisting that the film recounts the public life and political career of a prominent figure whose activities were widely documented. The lawyers argued that Nigerian law generally does not require filmmakers to obtain permission from relatives of deceased public figures before producing historical or political accounts of them.

The producer’s lawyers challenged the family to identify the disputed statements, provide their timestamps and explain their alleged meanings, alongside documentary evidence showing they were false, within seven days. They also threatened to seek compensation for lost revenue, audience, goodwill and reputational damage if the film were removed following what they described as untrue allegations.

In a related development, the film’s co-producer, Ultimate Communications, issued a public notice denying claims circulating online that it had solicited funds to produce the movie. The company described the claims as false and misleading, threatened legal action against those who continued to spread them, and said the film was intended as a tribute to Adedibu.

Directed by Abiodun Jimoh, Adedibu: Alagbara Ibadan stars veteran actor Lere Paimo as the late politician. Other cast members include Adekola Tijani, Taiwo Ibikunle, Segun Arinze, Afeez Oyetoro, Anike Ami, Shushu Abubakar and Kayode Olaiya.