Film producer Seun Oloketuyi has said he is prepared to go to court to defend his biopic on late Ibadan political power broker, Lamidi Ariibi Adedibu, following a legal dispute with the deceased’s family over the film.
Speaking during an event interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Oloketuyi said his production team was ready to pursue legal action if the family proceeded with its threats over the film, Adedibu Alagbara Ibadan.
“We are ready. Because even in our own letter, we told them that if they write to you, we need to take down the movie. We need to go to court and demand for the revenue,” he said.
The dispute followed demands by the Adedibu family for the film’s removal, a public apology and N500 million in damages over alleged defamation and invasion of privacy. The family also threatened to file a N1 billion lawsuit if its demands were not met.
Oloketuyi maintained that his production team had complied with the relevant legal requirements before releasing the film and was prepared to defend its position in court.
“We made it clear to them that we have done everything that we have done legally,” he said.
He also warned that taking the matter to court could have implications for the film industry, particularly filmmakers seeking to document the lives of historical figures.
“So, if they decide to go to court, which I hope it won’t get to that level, dark route of legal advices.
It won’t even be good for the industry,” he said.
Oloketuyi said he hoped the dispute would not result in prolonged litigation, although he remained firm on his decision not to withdraw the film.
Asked whether he intended to take down the biopic following the family’s demands, he said: “No, we don’t plan to.
There’s no reason to take it down.”
The producer said the dispute also raised questions about the freedom of filmmakers to produce biopics about public figures without obtaining permission from their families.
He maintained that his team had acted within the law and was prepared to defend the film if the disagreement proceeded to court.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
