Nigerian actress and producer Faithia Williams has addressed the controversy surrounding her forthcoming film, “Efunroye: The Unicorn,” in a detailed Instagram post.
Firstly, she expressed her gratitude for the widespread support her project has received, noting that her announcement post garnered over six million views. She addressed misconceptions that have emerged, particularly on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), due to the passionate responses sparked by the film’s subject matter.
The actress clarified that “Efunroye: The Unicorn” is an artistic interpretation, not a project intended to glorify or whitewash the historical figure of Madam Efunroye Tinubu. She emphasised that the film does not have any political agenda or affiliations. Instead, it aims to bring Nigerian stories to life on screen by exploring significant aspects of history through fictional storytelling inspired by real events.
In her statement, Williams said: “The reactions generated by the announcement of my upcoming movie, ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn,’ underscore just how passionate we all are about our history and our nation, Nigeria. I am deeply thankful to both my loyal fans and non-fans, for the overwhelming support this project is receiving. With over six million views on my post, I do not take your support for granted—your interest and feedback are truly appreciated.”
She continued by addressing the misconceptions surrounding the film: “Firstly, ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’ is not a promotional piece intended to glorify or whitewash a divisive historical figure like Madam Efunroye Tinubu. Nor does it carry any political intent or affiliation. This film is purely a work of artistic interpretation and storytelling. As a filmmaker, my goal is to bring Nigerian stories to life on screen, and this is no exception.”
She further highlighted that the film aims to present Madam Tinubu’s life in a balanced manner, showcasing her triumphs as well as her challenges and the complex legacy she left behind. She clarified that the film does not seek to alter the historical narrative, but rather, to portray the layers of Madam Tinubu’s story.
She added: “I want to emphasize that ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’ is, first and foremost, a creative expression meant to entertain, educate, and spark thoughtful conversations. It is not a documentary or a political statement. As with any artistic work, it draws from history but also takes creative liberties to make the story more engaging for modern audiences.”
The actress concluded by stressing the importance of exploring Nigerian history through storytelling, while reminding audiences that the film remains a work of fiction inspired by real events.
