A controversy surrounding a biopic about late Ibadan political heavyweight Lamidi Adedibu has escalated, with filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi reportedly petitioning the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats, cyberbullying and criminal defamation. The dispute centres on the film Adedibu: Alagbara Ibadan, which has drawn objections from members of the late politician’s family. The family has reportedly demanded that the film be taken down and issued a 72-hour ultimatum requiring the filmmaker to provide details of its YouTube earnings and explain the sources of information about Adedibu’s private life. Oloketuyi, meanwhile, has sought police intervention over what he describes as threats and other alleged misconduct connected to the disagreement.
The clash has turned the film into a wider conversation about the boundaries of storytelling when a production explores the life of a prominent figure whose legacy remains politically and socially significant. Biopics can preserve history and introduce new audiences to influential personalities, but they can also trigger disputes over accuracy, privacy, family consent and the interpretation of sensitive events. In this case, the competing positions have not yet been resolved, and the allegations made by either side should not be treated as established findings. The controversy also raises a question for filmmakers working on real-life stories: how should creative freedom be balanced with concerns from relatives and people whose lives are represented on screen? For now, attention is on the police petition, the family’s demands and whether the parties can reach a resolution. The dispute could become an important test of how Nigerian filmmakers handle controversial historical subjects while navigating legal and reputational risks.
