Kunle Afolayan Sparks Outrage by Labeling Anikulapo Season 2 Critics as 'Senseless'
Renowned Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has ignited a firestorm of controversy and backlash across social media platforms following his recent comments dismissing critics of his latest project, Aníkúlápó: The Ghoul Awakens. The highly anticipated second season of his popular series, which premiered on Netflix on January 30, 2026, has faced a wave of negative reviews from disappointed viewers.
Filmmaker's Controversial Response to Poor Reviews
In a video response to mounting criticism, Afolayan made the inflammatory statement that those condemning the new season lacked "common sense" and were not intelligent. He further emphasized that he valued feedback from what he termed "intellectuals" above all other opinions. This reaction came after numerous viewers expressed their disappointment, with some describing the sequel as a "waste of time" that failed to live up to the expectations set by the first season.
One particularly vocal critic was X influencer Wizarab, who posted: "This Season 2 of Anikulapo is a waste of time, insult to mental investment, and a complete nonsense. It was neither here nor there, and made absolutely no sense. Not every story deserves a continuation. Everyone involved should be ashamed."
Social Media Erupts in Criticism of Afolayan's Remarks
The filmmaker's comments have been widely condemned as condescending and dismissive of genuine audience feedback. Many movie enthusiasts and social media users have accused Afolayan of gatekeeping artistic appreciation and showing disrespect to fans who had supported his previous works.
X user @Letter_to_Jack articulated a common sentiment: "Kunle himself has made interesting movies to critical acclaim in the past. He didn't need to label those works 'intellectual' before people discovered it on their own. Baba Tunde Kelani didn't label his movies as well." The user emphasized that great creators should make complex topics accessible to all viewers, not just an intellectual elite.
Broader Conversation About Criticism in the Digital Age
This incident has sparked a wider discussion about how filmmakers and artists should respond to audience criticism in the era of social media. Many commentators have noted that constructive feedback is essential for artistic growth and that dismissing viewers' opinions can damage the relationship between creators and their audience.
Additional reactions from social media users include:
- @princeifeoluw14: "The best art invites everyone in, it doesn't gatekeep meaning."
- @Deeneay: "Kunle majority who have watched your movie said is wack you said your movie is for literature professors and intellectuals."
- @Emperor0012: "Really disappointed in Uncle Kunle for this he should know better, every Art provider is subjected to criticism."
- @oyinloye_s: "It's the need to sound smarter than others So if you don't like or critique the movie then you must not be intelligent..."
The controversy comes at a time when Afolayan has also discussed his approach to film promotion, recently explaining why he doesn't engage in the social media dance trends that other Nollywood stars like Funke Akindele utilize to promote their work. He cited the excessive energy required for constant costume changes and skit creation as reasons for his different promotional strategy.
As the debate continues to unfold online, it remains to be seen whether Afolayan will address the growing criticism of his response to the Anikulapo Season 2 reviews or whether this incident will impact the reception of his future projects within Nigeria's vibrant film community.
