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Offensive and Disrespectful’: CAN and Ini Edo Clash Over "A Very Dirty Christmas"

By Oluwa Extone

 


Offensive and Disrespectful’: CAN and Ini Edo Clash Over "A Very Dirty Christmas"

​The festive season in Nigeria is usually a time for blockbusters and family outings, but Nollywood superstar Ini Edo’s new film, A Very Dirty Christmas, has landed in a storm of religious controversy.

​The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has officially condemned the movie's title, calling it an "offensive and disrespectful" mockery of the Christian faith. The clash has ignited a debate about the limits of creative freedom versus religious sensitivity in Nigeria.

​The Source of the Friction

​In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed deep concern that the title diminishes the spiritual essence of Christmas. According to the association:

  • ​The Sacred vs. The Crude: CAN argues that Christmas is a "sacred season" representing purity and redemption. Linking it to the word "dirty" is seen as a sensationalist move that degrades a holy celebration.
  • ​Regulatory Failure: The body didn't stop at the producer; they also called out the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), questioning how such a title was approved for public consumption during the holiday season.

​Ini Edo Responds: "It’s Metaphorical"

​Not one to stay silent, Ini Edo—who is herself a devout Christian—released a detailed response to clarify the artistic intent behind the film. She explained that the title was never meant to demean her own faith.

​Key points from her defense:

  1. ​Context Matters: The "dirty" in the title refers to the dirty secrets, scandals, and family drama that unfold during a reunion—not the religious holiday itself.
  2. ​Creative Freedom: She argued that art is meant to reflect the "complexities of human experience," including the messier parts of life that don't pause just because it’s Christmas.
  3. ​The "Detty December" Influence: Cast members like IK Ogbonna have pointed out that the title draws from the popular Nigerian "Detty December" slang, which signifies fun and celebration, rather than literal filth or disrespect.

​The Fallout: A Change in the Works?

​The controversy has forced the NFVCB to step in. The board’s Director General, Shaibu Husseini, confirmed that they have initiated talks with the film's producers to potentially modify the title. While the board initially approved it as a piece of "fictional creative expression," they are now seeking a middle ground to avoid further religious tension.

​Why This Matters

​This incident highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must strike in Nigeria’s multi-religious society. While some fans defend the title as a "catchy marketing tool," others agree with CAN that certain religious symbols should remain "off-limits" for sensationalist branding.

​What’s your take? Should Ini Edo change the title to appease the Christian community, or should religious bodies allow artists to use metaphors freely? Let us know in the comments!


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