…says film’s release be halted immediately
The Ogu General Assembly (OGA), the apex body representing the Ogu people of Nigerian descent, has issued a strong condemnation of an upcoming film titled “Badagry: I Bad I Gree”, scheduled for release on 4th July 2025.
In a statement issued after the body’s steering committee meeting and jointly signed by the convener professor Jendele Hungbo and the secretary Mr Hosu Mewhenu the movie poster, the Assembly expressed deep concern over what it described as a blatant misrepresentation of Badagry and the Ogu identity.
The film, produced by Akogun Multimedia Production and directed by Davison Izeaghegbe, with Destiny Austine Omon as Producer/Assistant Director, features a cast that includes Alex Osifo, Yemi Blaq, and Jude Orhorha, among others.
According to the OGA, both the title and visuals of the film project a narrative that is “dishonourable” and “deeply offensive” to the peaceful and culturally rich image of Badagry and its people.
“The title already depicts our much-cherished cultural hometown, the historical city of Badagry, and indeed, the Ogu people, in a very negative light,” the statement read.
“It disparages not just our land as a collective patrimony, but also misrepresents us as an ethnic nationality and hurts the sensibilities of our people very badly.”
The OGA particularly condemned the use of guns, cult imagery, and gangster aesthetics portrayed in the film poster, which it says falsely associates Badagry with violence and criminality, an identity the community strongly rejects.
“We do not in any way want our land and our people to be depicted in this dishonourable light in popular culture and in the popular imaginations of Nigerians and the world at large,” the group declared.
The association is demanding that the film’s release be halted immediately and indefinitely, with all related publicity materials removed from public platforms. It also warned of possible legal and communal action should the filmmakers fail to comply.
The premiere of the movie is billed to take place at Festival Hall, Edo State Government House, Benin City, and is said to be strictly by invitation.
