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Dr. Ope Banwo Sets the Record Straight on Africa’s First AI Movie
A major controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s film industry following claims that the upcoming movie Make Mation is the first fully AI-generated feature film in Africa. Dr. Ope Banwo, AI filmmaking pioneer and founder of Aiflix360, has publicly challenged this assertion, accusing the producers of misleading Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State into endorsing a false claim.
The Allegations
Dr. Banwo asserts that Make Mation is not an AI-generated film but rather a traditional Nollywood production with an AI-related storyline. According to him, the movie was created using human actors and conventional filmmaking techniques, contradicting its claim to being Africa’s first AI-generated feature film.
<span;>> “Not only did the producers of Make Mation fail to create a fully AI-generated movie, but their film has not even been released yet,” Banwo stated. “Meanwhile, my team at Aiflix360 has already released at least four full-length AI movies, with the first—Omegamax Conspiracy—premiering globally in March 2025.”
Banwo lists Omegamax Conspiracy, Kingmaker of Muguland, Brothers at War, Shattered Hopes, and Children of Anger as films produced entirely with AI tools and made publicly available.
A Misguided Endorsement?
The controversy intensified when Governor Sanwo-Olu publicly acknowledged Make Mation as Africa’s first AI movie, a statement Banwo claims was based on misinformation.
<span;>> “It is disturbing that the producers of Make Mation misled the governor into making such a claim despite knowing about our AI films,” Banwo said. “This is not just a PR stunt—it’s an attempt to rewrite history.”
He argues that the distinction of producing Africa’s first AI movie belongs to Aiflix360, which launched Omegamax Conspiracy in March 2025, following earlier AI productions dating back to September 2024.
A Call for Accountability
Banwo has called on the Make Mation producers, including Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, to provide evidence supporting their claim. He challenged them to demonstrate how their movie was created using AI, rather than merely featuring AI as a theme.
<span;>> “Making a film about AI does not make it an AI movie,” Banwo said. “That’s like making a film about space travel and claiming you landed on Mars.”
Additionally, he urged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s media team to fact-check and issue a correction to avoid spreading misinformation.
Why the Truth Matters
Banwo believes it is critical to correct the narrative now to prevent false history from taking root.
1. For Accuracy in Filmmaking History – The true pioneers of AI filmmaking in Africa should be recognized.
2. To Protect Credibility – False claims undermine the integrity of the industry.
3. To Defend Truth in Advertising – Misleading promotional tactics should not go unchallenged.
4. To Preserve the Governor’s Reputation – A public figure should not be associated with misinformation.
A Challenge to Make Mation
Dr. Banwo has issued a direct challenge to the Make Mation team:
✔️ Show proof that their film is fully AI-generated.
✔️ Explain how an unreleased film can be called “the first” when several AI movies have already premiered.
✔️ Clarify whether their film was created using AI tools or just features AI in its storyline.
<span;>> “If Make Mation is truly an AI-generated movie, let them provide evidence,” Banwo stated. “Otherwise, they should retract their claim and correct the false impression they’ve created.”
Conclusion: A Fight for the Truth
In an era where marketing hype often overshadows reality, Banwo insists that facts must be defended.
<span;>> “This is not about competition—our AI films are free and available on YouTube. This is about ensuring that history records the truth,” he said.
As the debate unfolds, the Nigerian film industry and AI enthusiasts await a response from the Make Mation team. Will they provide evidence, or will they retract their claim?
For now, the controversy continues.
📩 Media Contact: info@aiflix360.com
