Francis Duru claims Igbos created Nollywood but Yorubas now dominate due to better organisation

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru argues that while Igbos pioneered Nigeria's film industry through home video in the 1990s-2000s, Yorubas now dominate Nollywood because they are better organised and more supportive of their own, according to an article published today by Sunny Green Itodo. Duru states Igbos' individualistic mentality hindered collective growth, contrasting it with Yorubas' communal approach epitomised by 'charity begins at home.'

He notes that despite Igbo founders like Herbert Ogunde being early pioneers, the Yorubas protected and projected their own interests by investing collectively in the industry they saw value in. Duru laments that Netflix today shows few films reflecting Igbo heritage, while Yorubas have created opportunities for themselves and even see Igbo writers working on Yoruba productions that distort Igbo stories like 'Ahamefuna.'

The article does not provide specific statistics on current ethnic representation in Nollywood or timelines for when the shift occurred. Duru urges Igbos to learn from Yorubas' organisational strengths and protective instincts, asking why they fail to expand into new market spaces despite creating the industry's foundation.

What lessons might other Nigerian industries draw from Nollywood's evolution regarding balancing individual initiative with communal support for sustainable growth?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/29/why-yoruba-now-dominate-nollywood-created-by-igbos-francis-duru/