Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has thrown his support behind colleague and friend, Ini Edo, following criticism by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.
Ogbonna, in a statement shared on his Instagram story on Monday, 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 movie title had been publicly promoted for months without any objection and that the production moved forward only after receiving official 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.
According to him, the producers acted in good faith, having secured clearance from the appropriate regulatory authority before release.
“The movie title was officially approved by the Censors Board, and we moved forward in good faith,” he added.
Ogbonna questioned the timing of CAN’s intervention, describing it as unfair and inconsistent, especially now that the film is screening nationwide and performing well in cinemas.
“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 said.
He stressed that his remarks were not meant to provoke conflict but to call for fairness, consistency, and integrity in handling such matters.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Ini Edo appealed to regulators and the public not to withdraw the film from cinemas, insisting that it does not ridicule Christianity and that the controversy revolves solely around the title.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, the actress urged critics to watch the film before judging it.
“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.
Edo further stated that she would personally bear the consequences if the movie was found to dishonour God or Christians.
“If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she said.
Explaining the intention behind the title, the actress maintained that it was never meant to demean the Christian faith, noting that the storyline focuses on family conflicts and secrets rather than religious ridicule.
Reacting to the controversy, the NFVCB said it had requested the producer to modify the movie’s title, while acknowledging public concerns raised by CAN.
The board noted that public perception is a critical part of effective regulation and added that, under its enabling Act, it is empowered to withdraw a film from exhibition for further review if deemed necessary in the public interest.