The city of Ibadan will play host to Nollywood icons starting this weekend, as they would gather to kick start production of a movie about one of the most powerful families in Ibadan.
According to one of the brains behind the movie, Ms Folusho Lala, in a chat with Friday Treat, she said, “In the history of Ibadan, while it was yet a village, many prominent natives in one way or the other contributed positively to its befitting status that is being enjoyed today by all and sundry. Balogun Ibikunle stands out amongst them. The war generalissimo was of no rivaled standard.
He was an ‘awesome’ warrior who was feared by all. Was anyone braved enough to dare him? No one ever tried it because of his power. The people from other climes who ventured into it had bitter experiences that lasted their lifetime. The Ibikunle family still exists and can never be wished away in all concerns for the development of Ibadanland. The family enjoys the grandeur of their progenitor and builds on the name. The family is proud of Balogun Ibikunle whom story told was nurtured by unseen spirits the Yorubas call “Alujannu”.
He was a fearful man and to view his character and have a deeper mental understanding of who this extra ordinary man was, to compact his story in audio-visual form for this generation and yet to come generations to understand and fall in line with Yoruba cultural values, traditions and heritage. So, Eleni Films International is assiduously working hard to shoot a film of the warlord, ‘Balogun Ibikunle’, she said.
Expressing his happiness with Eleni Films International, Lalude, who plays Balogun Ibikunle, applauded the team spirit and cast for the project billed to gulp N50million. “Its going to be a huge success for Ibadan, showcasing one of their fore fathers who played a prominent role in his lifetime. The Olubadan in council, the Ibikunle family of Ayeye and movie fans in general should please support this project in the area of finance. I hope the Ibikunle family will appreciate Eleni Films”. The cast and crew, consisting of over 600 people have started shooting of the film yesterday. Locations include Ibadan, Ekiti, Ondo, Abeokuta, Lanlate etc.
Among the cast of the movie are Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, Richardo Agbor, Akin Lewis, Jibola Dabo, Kola Oyewo, Saheed Balogun, Muyiwa Ademola, Funsho Adeolu, Dele Odule, Bimbo Oshin. Others are, Bose Akinola, Toyin Adegbola, Misitura Asunmo and introducing Foluso Lala and Titilayo Adesola.It is also intended to commemorate Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu’s first coronation anniversary.”
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