Actress Faithia Balogun has responded to criticism trailing her upcoming movie, Efunroye: The Unicorn.
In a post shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, the actress addressed negative reactions generated by the announcement of her movie.
Fathia clarified that the project is not a promotional piece designed to “glorify or whitewash a controversial historical figure like Efunroye,” nor is it intended to carry any political message or agenda.
“This film is, above all, a work of artistic interpretation and storytelling,” she explained.
“As a filmmaker, my goal is to bring Nigerian stories to life on screen, and this project is no exception.”
Fathia added that the movie is an attempt to portray “Madam Tinubu’s” life in a balanced manner, presenting both her accomplishments and struggles along with the complex legacy she left behind.
“It is not an attempt to reshape or glorify the historical record. This film aims to capture both her strengths and controversies,” she said.
The film which centres on the life of Efunroye Tinubu — a powerful Yoruba merchant and prominent slave trader in pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria — sparked intense criticism on social media after Faithia shared the poster on Wednesday, withholding the release date.
In her post, the 55-year-old hinted at the film’s focus on legacy and power:
“Power. Trade. Legacy. She was more than a warrior; she was a ruler who rewrote history. ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’ is coming to your screens soon! Are you ready?” She wrote.
Critics however argued that the biopic glorifies a figure infamous for her involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, while her shared surname with Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, has only intensified backlash.
Though widely recognised as a symbol of resilience and entrepreneurship, with Lagos’ Tinubu Square bearing her name, her role as a slave trader, many say, remains a dark chapter in Nigerian history.
The sentiment was echoed by others questioning the film’s timing and potential political implications.
The filmmaking company Faithia Balogun Power House Production has yet to release details about the cast, though the poster suggests Faithia herself will portray Efunroye.
The movie joins a growing lineup of recent Nigerian historical dramas, including King of Thieves, Lisabi: The Uprising, Ayinla and House of Gaa.
