Nigerian social media users are wondering why British actor, Idris Elba, has been selected to portray the character of Okonkwo in the adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’, in a new TV series by American entertainment company, A24.

According to English tabloid, Variety, apart from playing the lead role as the protagonist, Elba will also serve as executive producer alongside Gina Carter under their 22Summers production banner, while Nigerian filmmakers, David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka, will be the executive producers.

“Things Fall Apart states it is the “story of Okonkwo (Elba), one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader who is resolute about preserving his people and culture,” the tabloid wrote.

“As British colonisers disrupt his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition spirals into a heart-wrenching confrontation. His fierce resolve, a fatal flaw in the face of unstoppable change, makes him an unforgettable character, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability and adaptability,” it added.

However, Nigerian Netizens are not happy with the arrangement as they believe a Nigerian actor in the mould of Pete Edochie should have been the right fit for the role as he had played Okonkwo when the novel was first adapted as a movie in 1971 and later as a mini-series in 1987.

They are also wondering how Elba who is British, will be able to handle Igbo words and proverbs which made the Okonkwo character unique.

Others were also quick to point out Elba’s bad ‘African’ accent as noticed in the movie Wakanda accent.

The South African government has received the remains of 42 freedom fighters who died while in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia during the apartheid struggle against white minority rule.

The remains of the freedom fighters were received by government officials and family members at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in the capital, Pretoria, after being exhumed in Zambia and Zimbabwe for their reburial in the country of their birth, an official statement said.

The repatriation of the remains was part of a government program to bring closure to families whose loved ones died away from home while serving in the underground structures of both the African National Congress and Pan Africanist Congress, according to officials.

Local media reports that before the apartheid system ended in South Africa in 1994, many activists left the country to receive military training elsewhere with the aim of returning home to wage an armed struggle.

“Others left the country to avoid being arrested by the apartheid regime for their involvement in anti-apartheid activities, and chose Zimbabwe and Zambia where the underground structures were the strongest.

“After it was banned in South Africa, the African National Congress party of Nelson Mandela, shifted its headquarters to the Zambian capital, Lusaka.

“Many died in exile and were buried in those countries. Among the remains returned to South Africa were those of freedom struggle stalwarts Duma Nokwe, Florence Mophosho and Basil February.”

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile who spoke during a Heritage Day event on Tuesday, said the repatriation was part of efforts to teach future generations about the role played by many in the struggle against apartheid.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host a homecoming ceremony for the repatriated remains on Friday before they are handed over to their families for reburials across the country while there are plans to repatriate the remains of other South Africans from Lesotho, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Angola, Russia and other countries.