A Very Dirty Christmas: IK Ogbonna Faults CAN’s Objection To Actress Ini Edo’s Movie

He noted that the film’s title was duly approved by the censorship authorities and that the producers acted in good faith throughout the process.

“The movie title was officially approved by the Censors Board, and we moved forward in good faith,” he added.

Ogbonna questioned the timing of CAN’s intervention, describing it as unfair and inconsistent, especially now that the film is screening in cinemas and performing well.

“Now that the film is out, showing nationwide and doing well, suddenly there’s an issue with the title,” he wrote, adding, “How Christian is it to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made?”

He stressed that his reaction was not intended to stir conflict but to call for fairness and integrity in addressing such matters.

“This isn’t about conflict – it’s about fairness, consistency, and integrity,” the actor said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Ini Edo appealed to regulators and members of the public not to withdraw the film from cinemas, insisting that it does not ridicule Christianity and that the controversy was centred solely on the title. 

In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Edo pleaded that audiences be allowed to watch the movie before passing judgment.

“Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch .Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it,’’ she said.

She further stated that she would personally bear the consequences if the content was found to dishonour God or Christians.

“If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she said.

Explaining the intention behind the controversial title, the actress said it was never meant to demean the Christian faith or Christendom.

“We chose A Very Dirty Christmas. It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God,” Edo said, adding that the storyline focuses on family conflicts and secrets rather than religious ridicule.

“This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians,” she added.

Reacting to the controversy, the National Film and Video Censors Board said it had asked the producer to modify the movie’s title, while acknowledging public concerns raised by CAN.

“However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation,” the NFVCB said in a statement.

It added that, in response to the concerns and in the spirit of dialogue, it had requested a change to the title, noting that the Board is guided by provisions of its enabling Act, which empowers it to withdraw a film from exhibition for further review if deemed necessary in the public interest.