‘Yoruba movie producers, scriptwriters need to give Oyo a little break’
Olubukola Ozone
In the past five years, almost every epic Yoruba story has hovered around Oyo and its old glory. Movies like Lisabi, House of Gaa, Anikulapo, Elesin Oba, Jagun Jagun and even The Woman King have all been about Oyo and its exploits. Now, Africa Magic has premiered a series ‘Kabiyesi’ which is another Oyo battle story.
While I have nothing against Oyo and its rich history, Yoruba land is bigger, deeper, and richer than just one kingdom.
There are so many untold or under-told stories that can shake cinema halls and stir meaningful conversations if given the spotlight.
What about:
The mystery and tradition behind Eyo Festival?
The origin of Odùduwà and the intrigues among his grandchildren?
The warrior tale of Ajagunla of Ìgbómìnà?
The founding stories of Alára, Ajẹ̀ró and Òràngún?
The spiritual journeys of Ọya and Òṣun?
The exile and transformation of Sàngó into an orisha?
The resistance of Oba Ẹṣugbayi against colonial imposition?
The legendary sacrifice and bravery of Queen Moremi?
The migration and establishment of Kétu by the Ànàgó?
The fierce command of Lágídígba, the one-eyed general of Ibadan?
The bitter and historic Kiriji War that changed Yoruba warfare?
The mystical alliance between Ẹ̀fọ̀n-Alàyé kingship and Ifá?
The spiritual rise of Ọ̀ṣun-Ọ̀ṣogbo and her first priestess?
The betrayal and eventual triumph of Ẹlẹ́gbẹ̀rè of Èkìtì?
The sacred descent of Ọbàtálá from the heavens to Ilé-Ifẹ̀?
…to mention just a few.
I’d be more than happy to see these stories (and more) exploited in our movies. And I wish this gets to the appropriate quarters.
Yorùbáland is not lacking stories. We just need the courage to explore beyond comfort zones.
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