By Our Correspondent

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has appealed to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the public not to withdraw her movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting the film does not ridicule Christianity.

In an emotional video posted on Instagram on Sunday, Edo said the controversy was centred on the title, not the content, urging critics to watch the film before judging it.

She maintained that the movie, which explores family conflicts and unfolding secrets, does not dishonour God or Christians, adding that she would personally withdraw it if proven otherwise.

Edo said pulling the film would have serious financial implications, noting that it is currently showing in over 70 cinemas nationwide and was produced with investors’ funds.

The actress confirmed that she had been asked to change the title and expressed willingness to comply, while pleading for time to do so.

She also apologised to anyone offended by the title, stressing there was no malicious intent.

The appeal followed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described the title as offensive.

The NFVCB said it had asked the producer to modify the title, citing public concerns and its regulatory mandate.

Edo reiterated that she is a Christian and would never intentionally offend her faith, urging regulators to allow the film remain in cinemas while the issue is addressed.

By Patrick Idowu

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared that only the throne of Oyo has the authority to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland.”

The monarch made the assertion on Sunday during the installation of Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari as Obaloyin of Yorubaland and Barrister Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland at the Aganju Forecourt, Aafin Oyo.

Oba Owoade said chieftaincy titles in Yoruba culture are duties, not decorations, stressing that titles with “Yorubaland” in their nomenclature are collective in nature and represent the entire Yoruba people, not individual towns or kingdoms.

He explained that the Oyo throne historically served as the central coordinating authority of the Yoruba, a role recognised during the colonial era, sustained after independence and affirmed by scholarly works and the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The Alaafin urged the newly installed titleholders to serve with humility, loyalty and courage, adding that such honours must promote unity, dignity and the collective good of Yorubaland.

By Olokuta Rofiat

President Bola Tinubu has expressed satisfaction with the leadership of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has said.

Ribadu conveyed the President’s message during a visit to the Rivers State Government House, noting that Tinubu was pleased with the governor’s commitment to peace, stability and effective governance amid political tensions in the state.

He assured Fubara of the Federal Government’s continued support, adding that security agencies would keep working with the state to protect lives and property.

Governor Fubara, in response, thanked the President and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, the rule of law and cooperation with federal authorities for the benefit of Rivers residents.