The Nigerian entertainment scene is currently embroiled in a heated controversy involving actress Ini Edo, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and fellow actor IK Ogbonna. The dispute centers on the title of Ini Edo's recently released festive movie, 'A Very Dirty Christmas', which has drawn the ire of the prominent Christian body.
An Emotional Plea and a Sudden Backlash
The conflict came to public attention when Ini Edo, during a live Instagram session on December 22, 2025, broke down in tears. She revealed that CAN was actively working to have her movie taken down from cinemas nationwide. The actress expressed deep regret, stating that she never intended to disrespect Christians and would have changed the title had she foreseen the issue.
In an official statement on her social media pages, Ini Edo explained the film's intention was to spark conversation and reflect real-life human experiences through artistic contrast. She emphasized that all necessary approvals, including from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission, were secured before the film's release.
IK Ogbonna's Strong Rebuke of CAN
Fellow Nollywood star IK Ogbonna swiftly came to his colleague's defense, publicly expressing his disappointment with CAN's actions. In a pointed social media post, Ogbonna questioned the timing and motive of the association's complaint.
"To be honest, I am deeply disappointed with CAN," Ogbonna stated. He highlighted that the movie's title had been publicly promoted for months without objection from the Christian body. "You saw the promotions for this title for months and said nothing. The movie title was officially approved by the Censors Board... Now that the film is out, showing nationwide and doing well, suddenly there’s an issue," he argued.
Ogbonna framed his criticism around principles of fairness and integrity, asking, "How Christian is it to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made?" His support underscores a significant divide between the creative industry's regulatory approvals and subsequent religious objections.
CAN's Stance and Demands
The Christian Association of Nigeria had earlier issued a strong condemnation of the movie's title, labeling it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. CAN asserted that the Christmas season represents purity, peace, love, and redemption, and linking the word "dirty" to it diminishes its spiritual significance.
Beyond criticizing the title, CAN also called upon the NFVCB to provide an explanation for how the title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas period. This move places the film's regulatory body squarely in the middle of the controversy.
The situation remains unresolved, highlighting the ongoing tension between creative expression, regulatory frameworks, and religious sensibilities in Nigeria. As the film continues its nationwide run, the industry watches to see if further dialogue or action will follow from either party.
