A day on location at the making of Balogun Ibikunle’s epic movie

On March 30, 2017 in the Nollywood/Yoruba film industry, all roads led to Aba Jagun village in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, in readiness for the shooting of a cinema movie about the life and times of one of ancient Ibadan’s war generalissimo, Balogun Ibikunle, packaged by Eleni Films International.

Aba Jagun, as its name says, must have been an abode of warlords. The village of less than 40 homes, is situated far away from the mainstream of the local government. Its present habitants are farmers. As we would find out, there is no electricity or medical facilities in Jagun. The houses had no toilets save the house of the Baale, hence the people defecate in available bushes.

CAST

The epic movie came with a robust cast and crew and had a range of stars that have proved their mettle in the industry. From Fatai Oodua Adetayo a.k.a Lalude, who wore the toga of the war generalissimo, Big Abass, Dele Odule, Jibola Dabo, Richardo Agbor, Peter Fatomilola, Tola Oladokun, Abeni Agbon, Orisabunmi, Yetunde Ogunsola, Rasak Adewale, and a host of others. Foluso Lala, who played the role of Ibikunle’s favourite wife and Titilayo Adesola were introduced.

COSTUME

Ayanmo Ige, a veteran costumier made the making of a film a success. A good storyline with good actors and director(s) could be faulted if the costume is below standard or not projecting the intent of the story.

Ayanmo did wonders in the making of Balogun Ibikunle’s film. Her wardrobe depicted passion, dedication, commitment, zeal and love for what she does for a living.

Ibikunle’s regalias were designed to amazement and attracted special attention and applauds. For example, Kurunmi’s costume had two live tortoise on it.

“God has blessed me through this business. Wardrobe management has linked me with stars in the film industry. I have provided costumes for uncountable numbers of movies,both produced and yet to be on the shelve. Some of the are, ‘Ela Ileke’, ‘Iwere Ina’, ‘Oju Awe’, ‘Olofin’, ‘Iya Meta’, ‘Ologun Eru’, to mention but a few.

The actors and film crew were on set for weeks but Friday Treat only spent a day on set. From all indications, the epic movie will be a cinema success with the rich cultural history of ancient Ibadan’s warlords as its background story.