Niyi Akinmolayan faces backlash as casting choices and past comments ignite cultural criticism.
Nigerian filmmaker and CEO of Anthill Studios, Niyi Akinmolayan, is facing intense public backlash after political commentator Bayo Bilisi alleged that the filmmaker’s recent casting decisions and resurfaced online comments undermine Yoruba interests, igniting a cultural debate across social media.
The situation escalated after cultural preserver Lekan Fabilola announced that he had been contracted by Anthill Studios to coach non Yoruba actors Uzor Arukwe and Osas Ighodaro for their roles as Akinbode and Moremi in the forthcoming film Colours Of Fire.
Fabilola shared behind the scenes snippets from the training session, a disclosure that was intended as a routine professional update but unintentionally triggered strong reactions from members of the Yoruba community.
While Lekan Fabilola made no accusation against Niyi Akinmolayan and simply revealed the work he had been hired to do, many viewers interpreted the casting of non Yoruba actors in Yoruba rooted roles as a cultural slight. These reactions provided momentum for critics already scrutinising the filmmaker’s past comments.
Seizing on the moment, Bayo Bilisi accused Akinmolayan of repeatedly sidelining Yoruba performers in favour of non Yoruba talent.
Bilisi argued that the filmmaker’s actions suggested a broader pattern, stating that this tendency represented a gradual displacement of Yoruba representation in major productions.
His remarks drew sharp debate, with some Nigerians describing his criticism as extreme while many others insisted the concerns were valid.
Tensions deepened when social media users resurfaced a deleted 2016 tweet allegedly sent by Akinmolayan to artiste Olamide.
The tweet encouraged the music star to reduce the number of Yoruba artistes he signed in favour of greater diversity.
Critics cited this as evidence of a longstanding disposition that appeared to favour other ethnic groups, providing fuel for the ongoing controversy.
Bilisi referenced the old tweet and challenged the filmmaker for contracting a Yoruba cultural expert to train non Yoruba actors for Yoruba specific parts while previously encouraging Yoruba creatives to diversify away from their own demographic.
Additional unearthed tweets showed the filmmaker engaging in political commentary that some interpreted as sympathetic to non Yoruba positions.
Niyi Akinmolayan, acclaimed for directing major films such as The Wedding Party 2, Chief Daddy, Prophetess, and Lisabi: The Uprising, later responded.
“These Banger boys don’t know I’m a raw breed from Ondo town 🤣🤣🤣 Osiwin dede won!! Go and learn the full meaning of Akinmolayan!!! #ColoursOfFire”
Industry observers note that the controversy has opened a broader conversation about authenticity, representation, and cultural stewardship in Nollywood.
Also read: ‘Rainmaker’ Prolific filmmaker, Niyi Akinmolayan, caught worshiping Ṣàngó (Photos)
Many argue that the debate highlights the fragile balance between artistic freedom and cultural responsibility in an industry rooted in Nigeria’s diverse identities.
See the controversial video below.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
