Veteran actor Francis Duru explains how Yoruba filmmakers outpaced Igbo creators in the modern cinema space
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru claimed on August 30, 2026, that Yoruba filmmakers now dominate Nigeria’s film industry because Igbos lack unity. Speaking on a YouTube show, Duru stated that while Igbo traders built the home-video era, Yorubas successfully organised to protect their heritage and secure global platforms.
Veteran actor Francis Duru sparked a heated debate on August 30, 2026. He addressed the shifting power dynamics within the Nigerian film industry during a recent interview.
The actor traced the roots of modern Nollywood to Igbo traders in the 1990s. He noted that Yoruba creators have since taken control by pooling their resources together. ValidUpdates understands that his candid comments struck a nerve online.
The loss of Igbo influence
Duru shared his thoughts on the Gbam show aired by Yan Content Factory. He admitted that Yoruba pioneers like Herbert Ogunde laid early theatre foundations in the 1950s.
“We [Igbos] created Nollywood, but if you go to Netflix today, you hardly see one movie that speaks of Igbo heritage. But the Yorubas, on the other hand, created opportunities for themselves and utilised them,” he said.
However, he maintained that Igbo businessmen drove the massive home-video boom decades later. The actor blamed a deep sense of individualism among his people for their current setbacks. He argued that this mindset allowed outsiders to hijack their rich history and cultural stories.
Defending Yoruba filmmakers
Duru pointed out that top writers now craft scripts primarily for Yoruba production houses. He expressed frustration over non-Igbos producing major cultural epics.
“We have great writers who are now writing for the Yorubas. You even see the Yorubas crossing over to write Igbo stories like Ahamefuna and making a mess of who we are,” Duru stated.
Despite his concerns, the veteran urged his kinsmen not to resent their Yoruba colleagues. He praised the rival group for fiercely protecting their art and supporting one another. This unity helped them secure major global streaming deals.
“These are people who saw their own and protected their own,” he noted.
A call for cultural revival
Duru challenged Igbo investors to start funding films about their own prominent historical figures. He wondered why the industry ignores the legendary men who shaped the eastern region.
“When was the last time you saw the epic of one of these great men?” he asked.
The remarks quickly gained traction across social media platforms over the weekend. Fans and critics continue to debate the true origins and future trajectory of Nollywood. Many hope this conversation sparks a new wave of authentic regional filmmaking.
