Nollywood actress Faithia Williams’ latest project, Efunroye: The Unicorn, has placed her amid a heated online debate, and it hasn’t even hit theatres yet. Following her announcement of the film, intended to portray the story of the historical figure Efunroye Tinubu, Williams encountered an unexpected backlash, as some Nigerians criticized her portrayal of Tinubu as a celebrated leader and warrior while overlooking her controversial role in the transatlantic slave trade.

The film focuses on the life of Efunroye Tinubu, a figure who, while influential, remains highly controversial due to her involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, an episode that marks one of the darkest periods in African history. As conversations spark online, many viewers are rightfully wary of any portrayal that might glorify Tinubu without addressing her complexities.

Faithia Williams, who teased Efunroye: The Unicorn on her official social media platforms, described Tinubu as “more than a warrior,” highlighting her as a ruler who “rewrote history.” In her post, she shared an image of the film’s poster, adding: “Power. Trade. Legacy. She was more than a warrior; she was a ruler who rewrote history.”

However, while some responded positively, others expressed outrage, arguing that Williams’ description risked painting Tinubu in an overly flattering light, sidestepping aspects of her involvement in the slave trade.

According to historical records, Tinubu was both powerful and controversial. On the controversy, Wikipedia notes:

“Following British victory in the Reduction of Lagos, the British removed Oba Kosoko from his throne and replaced him with Akitoye, who was backed by Tinubu. The British had Akitoye sign the 1852 Treaty Between Great Britain and Lagos, which required Lagosians to abolish the Atlantic slave trade. However, Tinubu covertly persisted in operating the slave trade with Brazilian and European merchants, in violation of the treaty, and Akitoye willingly permitted this. British consul Benjamin Campbell denounced Tinubu’s economic hegemony over Lagos and her secret slave-trading, and she came into conflict with the British and rival Lagos merchants.”

Such details make it understandable why some viewers are wary; in recounting Tinubu’s life, there’s a risk of glorifying her power without acknowledging her entanglement in a painful, morally questionable past.

The criticism quickly spread, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where users aired their grievances. Some argued that glorifying Tinubu without addressing her role in selling people into slavery sent the wrong message. A user posted, “When we visited Badagry, we learned about African leaders who sold their people for trivial items. I hope the movie portrays her accurately.” Others shared analogies, comparing the situation to presenting historical figures like Pablo Escobar as kind-hearted heroes, suggesting that Williams’ project could distort Nigeria’s painful history.

Faced with mounting criticism, Williams took to Instagram to clarify her intentions. In a lengthy post, she assured her audience that Efunroye: The Unicorn was not created to “glorify or whitewash” Tinubu. Instead, she described the film as an “artistic interpretation” intended to explore the complex, layered nature of the historical figure. “This film is purely a work of artistic interpretation and storytelling,” She explained, adding that it “does not carry any political intent or affiliation.”

Acknowledging the mixed emotions surrounding the project, Williams expressed her gratitude for the support the film had garnered, noting that her post had received over six million views. She highlighted her intention to provide a balanced portrayal of Tinubu, incorporating both her triumphs and controversies.

“The movie is an attempt to present Madam Tinubu’s life in a balanced and nuanced way, showcasing her triumphs, challenges, and the complex legacy she left behind. “…Like all historical figures, Madam Tinubu’s story is layered, and this film aims to capture both her strengths and controversies” She wrote.

Faithia Williams also emphasized that, as a creative work, Efunroye: The Unicorn draws from historical events while taking liberties for storytelling purposes.

Yet, we must remember that art, especially film, is subjective. A filmmaker draws on sources, interprets events, and ultimately decides how to portray their perspective. In Williams’ own words, Tinubu was “more than a warrior; she was a ruler who rewrote history.” She has also emphasised that the film aims to capture both the triumphs and challenges of Tinubu’s life, not to “glorify or whitewash” her legacy, and that Efunroye: The Unicorn is ultimately an “artistic interpretation.” This perspective, though valid, contrasts with the historical realities of Tinubu’s involvement in slavery, creating a tension between Williams’ intentions and the uncomfortable legacy Tinubu left behind.

She, however, hoped that the film would educate, entertain, and ignite thoughtful conversations about Nigeria’s complex history, not mislead audiences, or serve as a political commentary.

This response has somewhat tempered the criticism, though the conversation continues. Some Nigerians remain skeptical, questioning the representation of historical figures in popular media, while others have expressed an eagerness to see the film and form their own opinions.

In many ways, this heated online response is beneficial. It prompts Nollywood audiences and film lovers to actively think about the themes they wish to engage with on screen. The debate allows viewers to approach Efunroye: The Unicorn with a more critical eye, aware of both its artistic intentions and the history behind the character. By keeping expectations in check, we can better appreciate the film for what it is: an interpretation, a point of view, and, ultimately, an invitation to reflect on history through the lens of art.