A Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Ovie, has criticised Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli for releasing a movie featuring late actor Alexx Ekubo shortly after his burial
He described the move as an attempt to profit from grief.
In a Facebook post, Ossai expressed disappointment over Oboli’s decision to premiere ‘The First Lady’ on her YouTube channel, arguing that the timing of the release was inappropriate despite her pledge to donate the proceeds to Ekubo’s family.
“I’m disappointed in Omoni Oboli for using Alexx Ekubo’s burial to promote her movie and to cash out,” he wrote.
According to him, the actress’ explanation that the film marked the beginning of her friendship with the late actor did not justify announcing its release immediately after his funeral.
“I just watched her video where she announced she’ll be releasing The First Lady, a film she said started their friendship 11–12 years ago.
“Using someone’s de.ath as PR to gain subscribers is disturbing and to cash out under the pretentious All proceeds from the movie go to the family of late Alex Ekubo’ or to keep his memories alive is disappointing.
“I know the ‘proceeds donation’ line will distract people from the real intent, but it’s clear this is a way of leveraging people’s emotions to subtly promote her YouTube channel.
“Grief is not content. A funeral is not a launch event. Alexx Ekubo deserves to be remembered for his life, his work and his impact, not repackaged as a trailer for a movie.
“If the goal was truly to honour him, the announcement could wait.
“We have to start calling this out. Tragedy should not be a content calendar event. Let’s protect the dignity of the dead and stop monetising people’s pain. I am disappointed,” he said.
Oboli had announced the release of ‘The First Lady’ shortly after Ekubo’s burial, describing it as the movie that began their friendship over a decade ago.
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We mourn differently
I get his point, but it is what it is. That movie will trend for long because many will watch it for Alex and in turn benefits Oboli’s youtube page in general. A win-win
He’s correct actually