Filmmaker Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin condemns movie for misrepresenting Badagry

By Tosin Brown –

Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and producer, Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin, has strongly condemned an upcoming film titled I Bad, I Gree (BadAgry), describing it as an attempt to malign the historical image and cultural dignity of Badagry, Lagos State.

The film, directed by Destiny Austine Omon, drew the ire of Alabi-Hundeyin, who expressed his frustration over what he called the misrepresentation of one of Africa’s most historically significant and peaceful towns. He described the title and concept as “dead on arrival.”

In a detailed opinion shared on July 3, 2025, Alabi-Hundeyin revealed that he reached out to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), led by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, to raise concerns about the film. He praised the Board’s swift action in cancelling the scheduled classification and release of the film, which was set for July 4.

According to the veteran filmmaker, the DG of the NFVCB informed him that a group of nine individuals from Badagry had already submitted a petition against the film’s title. He commended the unnamed petitioners as “protectors of Badagry’s image.”

Alabi-Hundeyin dismissed the filmmakers’ justification that the title was inspired by the film’s shooting location in Badagry, calling it unprofessional. Drawing parallels with past incidents, he cited the public outrage that followed the misuse of the revered Eyo masquerade in another film, which led to its withdrawal.

He stressed that while Badagry remains welcoming to filmmakers and creatives from around the world, its name and heritage should not be exploited or disrespected. “Producers are welcome to utilise the serene and breathtaking uniqueness of Badagry, but not to malign or trample on its image and branding,” he said.

The veteran, who directed Nigeria’s first censored film Iyawo Alhaji in 1992, highlighted Badagry’s contribution to Nigeria’s creative landscape, referencing icons like Grammy winner Pa Olatunji from Ajido. He also recounted his own milestone of directing a celluloid film at the age of 30.

“The only way that film will ever get released in this country is if they change the title,” he concluded, affirming that the content of the movie, a crime story, has no cultural or historical connection to Badagry.