Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Prince Jide Kosoko, has recounted the controversy surrounding one of his Yoruba films, revealing how objections from some Islamic clerics nearly escalated into a wider confrontation.

The film, initially referred to as Amina Eleha, was later renamed Afomo.

Kosoko made the disclosure during an interview on the African A-List podcast, where he reflected on the challenges he encountered while producing a film whose storyline centred on a Muslim woman involved in adultery.

According to the veteran actor, some Islamic clerics, popularly known as Alfas, objected to the film and reportedly demanded that it should not be released because of its portrayal of a married Muslim woman engaging in an extramarital affair.

The clerics also reportedly took issue with the name Amina, which they considered religiously sensitive because of its association with the mother of Prophet Muhammad.

Kosoko, however, maintained that his intention was to tell a story about human behaviour and the contradictions that can exist between religious identity and personal conduct.

He questioned the reasoning behind objecting to a fictional character’s name or actions simply because they were associated with a particular religion.

The filmmaker argued that the portrayal of wrongdoing by a character who belongs to a religious community does not necessarily mean that the entire faith is being attacked.

The disagreement reportedly intensified in the Badiya area of Lagos, where some clerics allegedly pulled down posters advertising the production.

Kosoko recalled that the incident attracted the attention of local youths, creating concerns that the disagreement could degenerate into a wider confrontation.

He said he was worried that the situation might be interpreted as an attempt to provoke religious conflict, rather than a disagreement over a film’s storyline.

The actor also credited his colleague, Baba Elesho, with helping him during the tense episode.

According to Kosoko, Baba Elesho confronted the clerics and engaged them in discussions involving Arabic, challenging some of the arguments raised against the production.

Kosoko said the encounter revealed an aspect of Baba Elesho he had not fully appreciated before, particularly his understanding of Arabic and his willingness to intervene when the controversy threatened to escalate.

The veteran filmmaker’s account has renewed attention to the delicate relationship between creative freedom and religious sensitivities in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The subsequent change of the film’s title from Amina Eleha to Afomo is an important detail in the history of the production. However, the precise timing and circumstances surrounding the renaming require further confirmation.

The episode also highlights the difficulties filmmakers may encounter when fictional stories touch on sensitive issues involving religion, marriage and morality.

While filmmakers have the creative freedom to explore human behaviour and social realities, such productions can attract strong reactions when audiences believe their religious beliefs or communities are being misrepresented.

Kosoko’s recollection provides a glimpse into an earlier period of Yoruba filmmaking, when disputes over film content could extend beyond public criticism to confrontations involving filmmakers, religious figures and local residents.

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is mourning the death of actress and beauty queen Tenia Abraham Omenogor, who died at the age of 32 after suffering from a kidney infection.

Abraham died on October 13, 2026, and was buried at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on Saturday, October 17, according to an obituary shared on her Instagram page.

Her family announced her death on Thursday, October 15, through her TikTok account, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the actress, whom they described as a vibrant talent and a loving daughter, sister and friend.

“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Nollywood actress, a vibrant talent, a loving daughter, sister and friend,” the family said in its announcement.

The obituary identified the late actress as Tenia Abraham Omenogor and stated that she died after suffering from a kidney infection. However, the family did not provide further medical details about her illness.

The burial arrangements indicated that relatives, friends and well-wishers were expected to gather at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, before proceeding to Gudu Cemetery for the burial.

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In a tribute to the deceased, her family described her as a gifted talent whose life touched those around her.

“She lived with passion, touched many lives with her talent and left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten,” the obituary stated.

The family also paid an emotional tribute to the actress, saying her talent, beauty and kindness would remain in their memories.

“Your light may have gone out from this world, but your talent, beauty and kindness will forever live in our hearts,” the tribute read.

Beyond her acting career, Abraham was involved in beauty pageants and held the Beauty Queen South South 2020 title, adding to her profile in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Following news of her death, attention also turned to a social media post she shared in August, in which she reflected on mortality and encouraged people to show love to one another.

“One day we will leave this world. Let’s love lead,” she wrote.

The message resurfaced following her death, drawing emotional reactions from social media users who reflected on the actress’s words.

Her death at 32 marks a painful loss for her family, friends, colleagues and admirers, who will remember her for her work in Nollywood and her achievements in beauty pageantry.