Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has dismissed speculation of a rivalry between himself and fellow actor and filmmaker Ibrahim Chatta, describing such narratives as misplaced and contrary to their shared vision for Nigerian storytelling.
The award-winning director addressed the rumours while speaking at the watch party of Anikulapo: “The Ghoul Awakens”, held at Igbojaye in Oyo State. According to Afolayan, both men are united by a deeper purpose: preserving and projecting Nigerian heritage through film, rather than competing for relevance or recognition.
He emphasised that their creative paths, while complementary, are not identical. “There is no competition between us,” Afolayan said. “We are both doing everything possible to uplift the glory of all—not just our ancestors, but our lineage and where we are from, right from the root.”
Using Chatta’s cultural hub as an example, Afolayan highlighted Afri Chatta, a resort and film studio located in Oyo State, as a major contribution to the industry. He noted that several notable productions, including Ageshinkole, were filmed at the facility. “If you haven’t been there, you should go,” he added, stressing that such initiatives strengthen the industry rather than divide it.
Afolayan also revealed that Chatta would be visiting his own cultural space for the first time, despite previous invitations. He acknowledged mutual responsibility for the delay, reinforcing the absence of any personal or professional tension between them.
Beyond addressing the rumours, the filmmaker spoke candidly about his approach to cinema and commercial success. He explained that his project choices are guided by creative integrity rather than box office figures alone. “I don’t want two billion or one billion naira in cinema if I wouldn’t be able to take ten million,” he said, underscoring his preference for sustainability, ownership and long-term value over headline-grabbing numbers.
The watch party drew a strong turnout from the Nollywood community, with celebrities such as Kiekie, Broda Shaggi and Gabriel Afolayan in attendance. The gathering not only celebrated the latest chapter of Anikulapo but also served as a reminder of the growing movement among Nigerian filmmakers to reclaim cultural narratives and invest in legacy-driven storytelling.
In reaffirming his stance, Afolayan made it clear that collaboration—not competition—remains central to his vision for Nollywood and the preservation of Nigerian identity on screen.