The filmmaker expressed his disapproval in a message shared Friday by Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Dead on Arrival”: Alabi-Hundeyin Slams Title
Reacting to the film’s title, Alabi-Hundeyin did not hold back.
“Dead on arrival! My attention was drawn to the ugly title… At first, I thought it was a prank. Then I started seeing it as a sponsored promo,” he wrote.
“I can’t believe one creatively shallow producer will just sit somewhere and choose to malign the image and dignity of one of the most historically precious pieces of land on the continent of Africa. A serene land of peace which had spread its mat of welcome to people from all over the globe.”
Cultural Insensitivity and Misrepresentation
Alabi-Hundeyin criticized what he called the unprofessionalism of producers who, according to him, justified the movie title solely on the basis that it was filmed in Badagry.
He said that instead of seeking legal redress or submitting a formal petition, he contacted the Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, to raise the issue directly.
To his relief, he learned that a group of nine individuals from Badagry had already submitted a petition protesting the film’s title.
“Whoever they are, I am proud of them as protectors of Badagry’s image,” he said.
Censors Board Moves to Halt Release
According to Alabi-Hundeyin, Dr. Husseini acted swiftly by reaching out to the producers and later deciding to cancel the film’s classification, a key regulatory step that precedes public release.
“He immediately took the decision that the classification, which must precede release, scheduled for tomorrow, 4th July, is cancelled,” he said.
The implication is clear: unless the filmmakers change the title, the movie will not be allowed to screen in Nigeria. Alabi-Hundeyin noted that the film’s storyline reportedly has nothing to do with Badagry, making the use of the name even more misleading.
Reminder of a Previous Cultural Offence
The filmmaker also recalled a previous controversy in which the sacred Eyo masquerade was misused in a Nollywood production, urging regulators and creators alike to learn from past mistakes.
He praised the NFVCB DG for maintaining cultural standards and responding swiftly to protect Nigeria’s heritage.
A Plea for Respectful Storytelling
Highlighting the contributions of Badagry to Nigeria’s cultural and artistic legacy, Alabi-Hundeyin pointed to notable achievements:
“Pa Olatunji from Ajido is the first Nigerian to win the Grammy. My humble self is the youngest Nigerian to direct a film on Celluloid at age 30, 42 years ago.”
He emphasized that Badagry has always welcomed filmmakers but insisted they must portray it with the respect it deserves.
“Filmmakers are welcome to shoot in Badagry—but they must not distort its image for commercial gain,” he concluded.