Nigerians on social media are questioning the choice of British actor Idris Elba to play Okonkwo in the adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.

Nigerians on social media are questioning the choice of British actor Idris Elba to play Okonkwo in the adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. Many feel that a Nigerian actor, such as Pete Edochie, would have been a better choice. They argue that a foreign actor might struggle to accurately capture the character’s Igbo culture and the nuances of the Igbo language.

Additionally, there are doubts about Elba’s ability to deliver a convincing African accent, especially when it comes to using Igbo proverbs, as Achebe intricately wove into his writing. It’s worth noting that Pete Edochie had previously played the role of Okonkwo in a well-received adaptation of Things Fall Apart. His portrayal was so powerful that many believe he embodied the very character Achebe had envisioned.

What do you think about these concerns?