According to committee member Shaibu Husseini, the Academy had granted NOSC an “extension for a final determination” by the members.
“I have just been informed that the @TheAcademy International Feature Film Executive Committee has intervened in the matter related to the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC). I note that @officialnosc has granted an extension for a final determination.” Husseini tweeted.
“I also take note of the IFF Committee’s directive that ‘ALL of the approved NOSC shall reconvene and make a final determination.’ the ‘null submission'”.
In recent weeks, the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee has been rocked by an internal crisis over its September announcement that no films qualified for the international feature category at the 2023 Oscars.
Following the announcement, committee members Mildred Okwo and Husseini confirmed their resignations amid reports of alleged misconduct by President Chineze Anyaene. However, the filmmaker and the committee’s publicist have yet to publicly react to the claims despite multiple attempts by Pulse to obtain comment.
Recall that in a statement issued by NOSC, the committee voted for three films, including the one from EbonyLife studios. Elesin ObaKunle Afolyan’s Anikulapo and box office hit Femi Adebayo produced king of thieves. While eight members voted for ‘null submission’, five reportedly voted for Elesin Oba with the remaining films splitting the votes 1-1.
