- The ongoing #endbadgovernance nationwide protest is said to be held from August 1 to 10
- Films as a medium of expression mirror real experiences and realities of society
- TheRadar, in light of the protest, highlights 6 Nollywood films on bad governance, revolution and corruption
In our rapidly changing world, art has become a vehicle for emotions, empathy, and introspection. Nollywood is a veritable tool.
Nollywood films, as a medium of art, provide a timeless record of experiences, documenting the evolution of eras, culture, values, and ideologies—they simply mirror society.
Through captivating stories, these films not only entertain but also reconnect viewers with real experiences and spark discussions on contemporary issues.
In filmmaking, telling an entertaining story within the palace of political issues bewildering the society can be open to flops, but these Nollywood films pulled it off and drove home the message.
In light of the ongoing #endbadgovernance nationwide protest, which started on August 1, with thousands of Nigerians protesting against hunger and bad governance, TheRadar examines Nollywood films that have touched on the issue of bad governance and corruption.
6 Nollywood films about bad governance, corruption
Films have been deeply intertwined with social movements for the longest. These stories serve as a voice for justice and self-expression—of revolution and unacceptable stand for bad governance by the people.
TheRadar curated 6 Nollywood films about bad governance and revolution.
1. 4th Republic (2019)
The political drama film released in 2019 was directed and written by Ishaya Bako. The story premise follows the story of Ikechukwu Obiano, a young deputy campaign manager for industrialist politician Mabel King played by Kate Henshaw. Mabel is competing against an incumbent male Governor to become the first elected female governor. Events that unfold in scenes mirror a corrupt political system that can do anything to remain in power. It also captured the political violence that happens during elections.
2. Black November (2012)
Black November, a Nigerian-American action drama, was set in the world of the typical Niger Delta in Nigeria. Written and directed by Jeta Amata, the film tackled the age-long issue of the Oil spill in the Niger Delta and how the government reacted to it. Black November used real events to narrate the political corruption and greedy tactics used by the Nigerian government in connection with multinational companies to hide the truth of the oil spill in the Niger Delta.
3. House of Ga’a (2024)
Bolanle Austen-Peters’ recent release, House of Ga’a, also delved into the theme of bad governance and how much the masses can take before they revolt against their leaders. The plot twist of the story focuses on a tyrant prime minister during the Old Oyo Empire, Bashorun Ga’a. He used to be a protector of the people but when he got power drunk, he became a thorn in their flesh. It was not long before a revolution erupted among the public and it saw the end of Bashorun Ga’a.
4. Saworoide (1999)
25 years after its release, Tunde Kelani’s political drama film Saworoide remains significant. The plot revolves around the Jogbo Kingdom, which was unstable due to a locked battle over who would become the next heir to the throne. The film mirrored the political quest for power and the price aspirants pay at any cost just to be in power—corruption and violence are not eluded.
5. ‘76 (2016)
Directed by Izu Chukwu, the character-driven story is one of such stories based on the true events in Nigeria's military and political system —particularly the unsuccessful military coup and assassination of Gen. Muritala Muhammad. Embodied by Ramsey Nouah, the movie showed the corrupt political-military system in Nigeria. It takes a romantic drama genre on the premise of a young military officer accused of taking part in an attempted coup and his pregnant wife must find a way to vindicate him.
6. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (2024)
The movie, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, is set against the backdrop of a tumultuous political system in Nigeria in the late 1970s. In the midst of it, a fearless and remarkable woman, Frances Ransome-Kuti, demonstrated courage and resilience to lead a group of women to revolt against colonialism and patriarchy. It is a biopic of the life and times of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a renowned activist and mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.
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To be timeless is to fit into any era with the same relevance and worth —a feature many classic Nigerian songs have.
In reference to the ongoing protest, Earlier, TheRadar curated a throwback of 7 Nigerian musicians and their songs highlighting the current plight and agitations of protesters.
