Kunle Afolayan Addresses Rumored Friction with Ibrahim Chatta at Anikulapo Watch Party

The landscape of contemporary Nigerian cinema is often painted with brushes of intense competition and box-office rivalries, but legendary filmmaker Kunle Afolayan is steering the narrative toward collaboration. During a high-profile watch party for his latest project, Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens, held on Wednesday, January 28, in the historic town of Igbojaye, Oyo State, Afolayan took a definitive stand against rumors of a feud between himself and fellow industry heavyweight Ibrahim Chatta.

The event was a star-studded affair, drawing a crowd of Nollywood’s finest, including Gabriel Afolayan, Sola Kosoko, and comedy icons like Broda Shaggi and Kiekie. Amidst the celebration of his newest creative endeavor, Afolayan seized the moment to address the whispers of a cold war that have circulated within film circles and social media platforms for months. With Ibrahim Chatta standing beside him, the filmmaker dismantled the idea that there is any animosity or professional friction between the two icons.

Afolayan emphasized that their individual efforts in the industry are driven by a shared mission rather than a desire for dominance. He explained that both he and Chatta are deeply committed to the preservation of Yoruba culture and the promotion of African heritage. According to him, their work serves as a tribute to their lineage and the roots of their ancestors, a goal that transcends the pettiness of personal rivalry or industry rankings.

The Anikulapo director pointed out that their contributions to the industry, while often grouped together due to their cultural depth, are actually quite distinct. He noted that they are “not even doing the same thing,” highlighting that the diversity of their artistic expressions allows for a more enriched cinematic landscape rather than a crowded space for conflict. By focusing on their unique strengths, they are collectively elevating the global perception of Nigerian storytelling.

Afolayan also used the opportunity to show public support for Chatta’s entrepreneurial and creative ventures. He specifically mentioned the Afri Chatta Resorts and Film Studio located in Oyo, encouraging fans and colleagues to patronize the facility. He noted that several landmark films, including the critically acclaimed Ageshinkole, utilized Chatta’s studio, proving that their relationship is rooted in mutual professional respect and structural support.

In a moment of candid honesty, Afolayan admitted that while he had invited Chatta to his own creative spaces several times in the past, he also shared some “guilt” for not being more present in return. This admission of human oversight further humanized the relationship between the two stars, suggesting that any perceived distance was merely a byproduct of busy schedules rather than a sign of a hidden rift.

Beyond the clarification of his relationship with Chatta, Afolayan touched on his philosophical approach to the business of filmmaking. He addressed his notable absence from the race for massive domestic cinema box-office figures. While other filmmakers celebrate hitting billion-naira milestones in Nigerian theaters, Afolayan remains focused on a different metric of success. He stated clearly that he has no interest in chasing “2 billion or 1 billion” in cinema revenue if the business model does not guarantee a fair and accessible return.

This stance reflects Afolayan’s long-standing preference for streaming partnerships and direct-to-consumer models, which he believes offer more stability and creative control. His comments suggest a critique of the current cinema distribution landscape in Nigeria, where high grossing numbers do not always equate to actual profit for the creator. By prioritizing a sustainable financial model over vanity metrics, he continues to carve a unique path that emphasizes longevity over short-term hype.

The atmosphere at Igbojaye was one of unity and cultural pride, a far cry from the sensationalized headlines of celebrity clashes. By publicly embracing Ibrahim Chatta, Afolayan has effectively silenced the rumor mill and set a new standard for how veterans in the industry should interact. This display of brotherhood sends a powerful message to the younger generation of filmmakers: that the preservation of identity and the growth of the industry are far more valuable than individual accolades.

As Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens continues to generate buzz, the focus remains firmly on the art itself. The collaboration between these two titans—one a master of the epic scale and the other a powerhouse of traditional performance—ensures that the legacy of Yoruba storytelling remains in capable hands. For fans of Nollywood, this clarification serves as a reminder that the industry is at its strongest when its biggest stars are working in tandem to honor their roots.