Jide Kosoko Reflects on Aminat Eleha Controversy

During an interview on African A-List that premiered on October 17, Jide Kosoko recounted the controversy surrounding his 1993 film Aminat Eleha. The film faced strong backlash from a group of Islamic clerics who objected to its title, claiming it referenced the name of Prophet Muhammad's mother and should not be released.

The clerics' objections escalated beyond verbal complaints, as they began tearing down promotional posters for the film in the Badia area of Lagos. Their actions were interrupted by local residents, referred to by Kosoko as "Badia boys," who chased the clerics away.

However, the situation intensified when the clerics confronted Kosoko directly at his office, arriving in a group of about seven men. Adewale Elesho intervened during this confrontation, standing his ground against the clerics and effectively dismantling their arguments regarding the religious references they cited.

This incident highlights the challenges filmmakers faced in the early 1990s when addressing sensitive cultural and religious topics.