Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has firmly dismissed rumours suggesting a rivalry between himself and fellow actor and filmmaker Ibrahim Chatta, making it clear that both men are united by a common mission: the preservation and promotion of Nigerian culture and heritage.
Afolayan addressed the issue while speaking at the watch party of his latest project, “Anikulapo: ‘The Ghoul Awakens’”, where he took time to reflect on his relationship with Chatta and their shared passion for cultural storytelling.
According to Afolayan, the idea of competition between them is entirely false and misunderstands the deeper purpose behind their work.
“There Is No Competition Between Us”
Setting the record straight, Kunle Afolayan emphasized that he does not see Ibrahim Chatta as a rival in any form. Instead, he described their relationship as one built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to cultural preservation.
“There is no competition between us,” Afolayan stated.
“We are both doing everything possible to uplift the glory of all — not just our ancestors, but the lineage and where we are from, from the root.”
His statement drew applause from attendees at the event, many of whom praised both filmmakers for their consistent dedication to telling authentic African stories.
A Shared Vision Beyond Fame or Popularity
Kunle Afolayan explained that his work, much like Ibrahim Chatta’s, is driven by a purpose far greater than box office numbers, awards, or social media attention.
For him, filmmaking is a tool for cultural documentation, education, and identity preservation.
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He noted that both he and Chatta focus on projects that reflect African traditions, languages, spirituality, and history — elements that are often neglected or diluted in mainstream entertainment.
Rather than competing for recognition, Afolayan believes they are building parallel paths toward the same destination: ensuring that Nigerian culture remains visible, respected, and accurately represented for future generations.
Highlighting Ibrahim Chatta’s Cultural Contributions
In his remarks, Afolayan also took the opportunity to spotlight Ibrahim Chatta’s efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, particularly through Afri Chatta, a cultural center located in Oyo State.
“There’s Afri Chatta in Oyo,” Afolayan said.
“If you haven’t been there, you should go.”
Afri Chatta has gained attention as a creative and cultural space dedicated to celebrating Yoruba heritage through art, performance, architecture, and community engagement.
By referencing the center, Afolayan underscored Chatta’s commitment to preserving culture beyond the screen.
Cultural Preservation as a Collective Responsibility
Kunle Afolayan stressed that preserving Nigerian culture is not a one-man mission and should never be framed as a competition.
According to him, the richness of Nigerian heritage is vast enough for many storytellers to contribute meaningfully.
He argued that pitting cultural creatives against one another only distracts from the real work — documenting history, telling authentic stories, and reclaiming African narratives.
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In his view, collaboration, respect, and shared purpose are far more valuable than rivalry in an industry that still has countless untold stories.
Anikulapo and the Power of Cultural Storytelling
Afolayan’s comments came during the watch party of “Anikulapo: ‘The Ghoul Awakens’”, a continuation of the Anikulapo franchise that has been widely praised for its deep cultural themes, traditional aesthetics, and historical inspiration.
The film series reflects Afolayan’s long-standing dedication to high-quality African storytelling, blending mythology, history, and moral lessons rooted in Yoruba culture.
His work, much like Ibrahim Chatta’s projects, has helped reposition Nigerian stories on the global stage, proving that local narratives can resonate internationally when told with authenticity and excellence.
Social Media Rumours and Public Perception
In recent times, fans and online commentators have speculated about a supposed rivalry between Kunle Afolayan and Ibrahim Chatta, often comparing their creative styles, cultural focus, and influence in the industry.
Afolayan’s clarification puts those rumours to rest, reminding the public that art is not a battlefield and that cultural advocates should be celebrated collectively, not divided by false narratives.
A Call to Support Cultural Storytellers
Beyond addressing the rumours, Afolayan used the moment to encourage Nigerians to actively support creators who prioritize cultural content.
He believes that audience support plays a major role in sustaining projects that honor tradition and heritage.
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By visiting cultural centers like Afri Chatta, watching culturally rooted films, and engaging with authentic storytelling, Afolayan says the public can help ensure that Nigeria’s history and identity are not lost to time.
Final Thoughts
Kunle Afolayan’s statement serves as a powerful reminder that cultural preservation thrives on unity, not rivalry.
His respectful acknowledgment of Ibrahim Chatta’s work reinforces the idea that multiple voices can coexist, collaborate, and contribute to the same cultural legacy.
As Nollywood continues to evolve and gain global recognition, voices like Afolayan and Chatta remain crucial in anchoring the industry to its roots — ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of identity.
In a world quick to create divisions, Afolayan’s message is clear:
The mission is bigger than individual names. It is about heritage, history, and the future of Nigerian culture.
