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Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen: The “Governor of Nollywood” and Champion of Edo Culture

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Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, fondly nicknamed “the Governor of Nollywood,” stands as one of the most influential voices in Nigerian cinema. Over three decades, the Benin-born filmmaker has combined prolific creativity with a deep commitment to preserving the heritage of the Edo people while shaping Nollywood into a globally recognised industry.

Early Career and Entry into Nollywood

Imasuen’s professional journey began in 1995, during Nollywood’s formative years when the home-video boom was transforming Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. Driven by a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for social commentary, he quickly rose through the ranks as one of the industry’s most energetic and visionary directors.

Prolific Directing and Landmark Films

Often described as one of Africa’s most productive filmmakers, Imasuen has directed and produced well over 100 films, spanning drama, comedy, historical epics, and social thrillers. Among his most acclaimed works are:

Issakaba (2000–2002) – the cult classic vigilante series that became a household name across Nigeria and West Africa.

Games Men Play (2006) – a popular drama exploring contemporary relationships and urban life.

Adesuwa (2012) – a lavish Benin Kingdom epic that earned critical praise and several major awards.

Awards and International Recognition

Imasuen’s historical drama Adesuwa was a landmark achievement, winning three awards at the 2012 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), including Best Nigerian Film, and earning nominations for Best Director and Best Costume Design. These accolades confirmed his reputation for combining cultural authenticity with cinematic excellence.

(Sources: Africa Movie Academy Awards archives; Premium Times, “Adesuwa wins big at AMAA 2012,” April 2012)

Champion of Edo Culture

Beyond entertainment, Imasuen has become a leading ambassador for Edo culture and the Benin Kingdom’s heritage. Through films like Adesuwa and numerous other projects, he has brought the grandeur, history and traditions of his homeland to national and international audiences, ensuring that indigenous stories remain central to Nigeria’s evolving film narrative.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

With a career that spans over 30 years, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen remains a guiding force for younger filmmakers. His ability to blend cultural pride with universal storytelling has helped Nollywood transition from a local video market into a globally recognised cinematic movement. For aspiring directors, his career demonstrates how African filmmakers can honour their roots while captivating audiences worldwide.

References
Africa Movie Academy Awards archives, 2012.

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Lifestyle

Genevieve Nnaji slams viral tweet urging Igbo men to marry non-Igbo women

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Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji has fired off a sharp response after a man on X (formerly Twitter) advised Igbo men to stop marrying Igbo women and instead seek wives from other African countries.

The controversy began after a photo of a Rwandan woman said to be engaged to an Anambra man went viral.

Resharing the image, the user wrote, “Dear Igbo men, instead of marrying an Igbo woman who’ll falsely accuse you of r4ping your daughter, better look outside for a wife.

“Go to East Africa, especially Rwanda, and pick a damsel. They’re all over social media, and you can link up with them.”

Genevieve, who rarely comments on online drama, responded, “In other words, instead of checking yourself and taking accountability, go for the unsuspecting and carry on with your evil. Got it.”

Another user attempted to challenge her, claiming the original tweet was aimed at “false rape accusers” and that Genevieve was avoiding the real issue.

“His tweet was clearly against false rape accusers, but instead of holding the evil women accountable and demanding change, you chose to tweet this?”

But the actress hit back with equal clarity: “The same way a woman can’t tell an abusive man apart from a good one is the same way you shouldn’t say avoid all Igbo women. ‘Not all women’.”

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Don’t handle your family feud like I did, Phyna advises Imisi

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Reality TV star Phyna has offered words of encouragement to fellow Big Brother Naija winner Imisi amid a family feud between the latter and her mother.

In an X post on Monday, Phyna wrote,”To Imisi, @imisiofficial and to anyone walking through the same fire… I’m praying for your strength.

“My own experience broke me, but I’m slowly rising.

“And I’m rooting for you with everything in me, don’t handle it like I did, build strong and focus on you baby girl.”

The post comes against the backdrop of a family dispute in which Imisi’s mother accused her daughter of hatred and revealed the poor condition of the home where she currently lives, despite Imisi winning N150 million after her Big Brother victory.

Imisi replied in Yoruba,”This is why Aunty Debola said you should not show your face to the world. I can’t be saying all that now, you are in the midst of people. Just overlook everything and leave social media.

“Don’t worry, I will send you money to rent a new house. I am tired of all this drama. I am still recovering from the stress of Big Brother.

“Should I be facing another stress now? Please forgive me, I am your daughter.”

Recall Imisi’s mother has publicly expressed frustration on social media, saying she does not need her daughter’s money after being sidelined following the win.

She also blamed Imisi for recounting her childhood experiences, which she claims involve untrue allegations of parental neglect and sexual assault.

In a video, she showed the old house she currently resides in, saying she is content with her situation, a revelation that sparked online controversy.

In 2023, after Phyna’s BBNaija win, her father, Felix Otabor, revealed in an interview that he was distressed by his daughter’s actions following her BBNaija win.

Otabor said Phyna had asked him to stop working as a hearse driver and requested that he sell his cars, promising to improve the family’s life.

He said he later struggled financially after selling the vehicles, losing his business momentum and community position, and has not seen his daughter since her victory.

He described feeling sidelined while she enjoyed her wealth.

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Ned Never Slept Outside Because I Held Him Well In The Other Room – Regina Daniels

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Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has opened up about her marriage to her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.

It was reports that the embattled wife revealed why their seven-year relationship remained faithful despite his polygamous lifestyle.

In a reply to a comment on her Instagram page, Daniels said that during their years together, Nwoko never slept with other women outside their home because she held him well in the other room.

She wrote: “Yes i think he loved me but a toxic one! Because tell me why a polygamous man forgot what it meant to be in polygamy, except for the media.

“Just because it boosted his ego of being seen with multiple women which is easy by me because anyone that sees a man as an odogwu sees the wife as what? He basically had to beg that he share days at ours and other days with his other wives because they begged for his attention.

“Y’all should pls forget this yeye social media comparison because my ex man never slept outside one day in our 7 years of marriage. You know why? Because as a delta babe, I hold am well for the other room ladies use your skills that’s all men want actually!”

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