Jide Kosoko Reveals Drama Behind Controversial Yoruba Film Amina Eleha

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Prince Jide Kosoko has recounted how some Islamic clerics opposed one of his Yoruba films over a storyline depicting a married Muslim woman committing adultery, with the controversy reportedly leading to calls for the production to be banned.

Kosoko made the disclosure during an interview on the African A-List podcast, where he reflected on the challenges filmmakers face when their stories touch on sensitive religious and cultural issues.

The veteran actor identified the film as Amina Eleha, a 1993 Yoruba production whose storyline sparked objections from some Islamic clerics, popularly known as Alfas.

According to Kosoko, the clerics objected to the portrayal of a Muslim woman engaging in an extramarital affair. They also reportedly expressed concern over the name of the lead character, Amina, because of its religious significance.

“I did a film where a Muslim woman committed adultery; some Alfas said it shouldn’t be released,” Kosoko said.

The actor explained that his intention was to tell a story about human behaviour and the contradictions that can arise between religious identity and personal conduct. He maintained that portraying wrongdoing by a character who belongs to a particular faith does not necessarily amount to an attack on that religion.

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Kosoko recalled that the disagreement escalated in the Badiya area of Lagos, where some clerics allegedly pulled down promotional posters advertising the film. The incident reportedly attracted the attention of local youths, raising fears that the dispute could develop into a wider confrontation.

The filmmaker said he was concerned about the possibility of the controversy being interpreted as an attempt to provoke religious tension.

He also recalled how fellow actor Baba Elesho intervened during the dispute, helping to challenge the objections raised by the clerics. Kosoko credited his colleague with standing his ground during the tense encounter.

The account has renewed attention to the challenges facing Yoruba filmmakers when they explore controversial themes involving religion, marriage and morality.

Although films often use fictional characters to examine social realities, storylines involving religious communities can attract criticism from audiences who believe their beliefs or traditions are being misrepresented.

At the same time, the controversy highlights questions about creative freedom and censorship in Nollywood, including how filmmakers can tell difficult stories while respecting the religious sensitivities of their audiences.

Kosoko’s recollection of the Amina Eleha dispute offers a glimpse into the tensions that can emerge when entertainment intersects with deeply held beliefs. It also underscores the importance of resolving disagreements over film content through dialogue rather than intimidation or the destruction of promotional materials.