Nollywood actress and filmmaker Jaiye Kuti has moved to clarify a social media post that sparked speculation online, insisting that her comments about cinema showtimes were never directed at the newly released movie Ajosepo 2: The Gathering.
The actress found herself at the centre of online discussions after sharing concerns about the screening schedule of her latest film, Jaiye Monje The Anniversary, which is currently showing in cinemas.
In the now widely discussed Instagram post, Jaiye expressed frustration over what she described as an unfavourableunfavourable screening time for her movie.
Sharing a screenshot of the film’s showtime, she wrote:
“AJOSEPOWA tifebaje!!! I’m just a week old at the cinemas, and I’m already out of showtime? Hmmm. Who comes to the cinema at this time of day to watch movies? #cinemaowners.”
The use of the word “Ajosepo” immediately triggered reactions online, with some social media users interpreting it as a direct reference to Ajosepo 2: The Gathering, the sequel produced by actress Bolaji Ogunmola.
As conversations intensified, some commenters even suggested there was tension between the two productions, fueling speculation of a possible rivalry over cinema space and audience attention.
However, Jaiye Kuti has firmly rejected those claims.
Addressing the controversy, the actress explained that her statement was written in Yoruba and had been taken completely out of context.
“I wrote in my language Yoruba AJOSEPO which could mean many things. What I meant was our collaboration with cinemas, yet some people twisted it to mean a movie,” she said.
According to her, the post was solely about her concerns regarding cinema scheduling and the visibility of her film, not an attack on another filmmaker or project.
Her clarification comes at a time when competition for cinema screens has become increasingly intense within Nigeria’s film industry.
With multiple movies often releasing around the same time, filmmakers frequently raise concerns about screening schedules, showtime allocations, and the challenge of securing favourable viewing slots to maximise audience turnout.
For many producers, cinema timing can significantly influence a film’s commercial performance, particularly during its opening weeks.
The controversy also emerged shortly after Bolaji Ogunmola addressed separate allegations suggesting that Ajosepo 2: The Gathering was benefiting at the expense of other films in cinemas.
The actress dismissed such claims and maintained that her focus remains on promoting her own project rather than competing with fellow filmmakers.
“Just watch it and find out,” Bolaji had earlier told critics questioning the sequel’s release, emphasising her confidence in the movie’s quality.
Directed by Kayode Kasum, Ajosepo 2: The Gathering continues the story introduced in the 2024 family drama Ajosepo and features a cast that includes Timini Egbuson, Tomike Adeoye, Mercy Aigbe, Mike Afolarin, and Bisola Aiyeola.
With Jaiye Kuti’s clarification now on record, the actress hopes to put to rest suggestions that her comments were aimed at any particular film.
Instead, she says the issue was simply about cinema scheduling and ensuring that movies receive fair opportunities to reach audiences.
The incident highlights how quickly social media interpretations can create controversy, especially in an industry where every statement is closely scrutinised by fans and observers eager to read between the lines.
