Veteran actor Francis Duru has sparked a fresh conversation about ethnicity and power in Nigeria’s film industry. In a recent interview, Duru asserted, “Igbos Let Yorubas Take Over Nollywood They Built,” a statement first reported by Arise News.
Duru, best known for his roles in classic Nollywood productions such as *Rising Sun* and *The King Must Dance*, has long been a vocal advocate for the industry’s origins. He points to the early days when Igbo entrepreneurs and filmmakers laid much of the groundwork for what would become Nigeria’s cinematic powerhouse. By suggesting that the current dominance belongs to Yoruba stakeholders, Duru challenges a narrative that many consider an oversimplification of a complex, multi‑ethnic landscape.
The remark has already generated discussion online, with commentators debating whether Duru’s assessment reflects a genuine shift in industry control or merely a provocative sound‑bite. Some observers note the rise of Yoruba‑led production houses and streaming platforms, while others caution against reducing Nollywood’s evolution to a single ethnic rivalry.
Regardless of where one stands, Duru’s comment underscores ongoing tensions about representation, ownership, and the cultural identity of Nollywood. As the industry continues to expand domestically and abroad, the balance of influence remains a topic of keen interest among filmmakers and fans alike.
Do you think Duru’s claim reflects a real shift in Nollywood’s power dynamics, or is it an over‑generalisation?
Feature image: photo of Francis Duru via Wikipedia, used under its Creative Commons license.