- The two gladiators of the Nigerian movie industry are said to have been at loggerheads for more than three decades
As part of effort to create an enabling environment for the growth of the Nigerian movie industry and further consolidate its enviable standing in the world, the highly revered Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has brokered peace between veteran actor Kareem Adepoju ‘Baba Wande’ and award-winning movie producer and director, Tunde Kelani.
Dotun Taylor, the President of Aroba Groove, an International Cultural Organisation, made this known in a statement on Saturday.
The two gladiators of the Nigerian movie industry are said to have been at loggerheads for more than three decades.
Taylor who’s also the Asoju Asa of Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, asserted that the reconciliation of Baba Wande and Kelani would paved way for the advancement of Nigerian cultural heritage globally.
According to him, the longstanding feud between the two veterans has affected the growth of Nollywood industry in one way or the other.
He said that the reconciliation, marks a significant milestone in the promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“The three decade-long dispute revolved around royalties from the movie “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.”
“Ooni of Ife also told me how great the film was ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ and that’s why he choose me as agent for the reconciliation of the long time feud.
“The Asoju Asa Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, played a pivotal role in facilitating the peaceful resolution.
“Delegates from the palace, at the behest of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ọjaja II), visited Tunde Kelani at his Abeokuta home in Ogun State, Nigeria, to seal the settlement.
“This historic reconciliation is a testament to the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove Ltd. in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage.
“The Aroba Groove successful mediate the reconciliation which has been giving birth to the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI’, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.
According to him, ASIYANBI ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ is produced by Aroba Groove in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa with the endorsement of the Ooni of Ife, Ogunwusi for new generation to learn from rich history of the Yoruba culture.
Taylor said that following the successful reconciliation, he praised the exemplary leadership displayed by Kelani and Baba Wande citing their willingness to put aside differences as a valuable lesson for the industry and beyond.
He said that their actions demonstrated the importance of intergenerational collaboration, ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and values between the old guard and the next generation.
Taylor added that by working together, we could avoid misunderstandings and misaligned efforts, ultimately driving progress and development in the entertainment industry.
Taylor said that the two veterans have put aside their differences, attributing the past feud to royalty issues from the 1993 hit film Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.
He said that in a heartwarming reconciliation, they expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife for his intervention and the vital role played by Asoju Asa Oodua.
Baba Wande in his remarks during the reconciliation said that Kelani is his bossom friend.
“We will continue to work together for the growth of our beloved industry and Yorubaland.”
Kelani also in his remarks said that the peace initiative was a reminder that their work (Ti Oluwa Nile) was appreciated.
“This peace initiative is a reminder that our work is appreciated, and we are being watched.
“I thank the Ooni for his intervention and assure my full support to the production of ASIYANBI, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.
Mr Ibitayo Akindeji, the Producer and Project Coordinator of ASIYANBI, said that Aroba Groove was reviving the classic tale through a groundbreaking stage production, promising a thrilling and innovative theatrical experience.
Akindeji said that the captivating stage play, ASIYANBI, was set to captivate audiences in major cities in Nigeria, UK and USA later in the year.
According to him, the historic reconciliation embodies the core values of Yorubaland’s ‘Omoluabi’.
“While the timeless story of TI OLUWA NILE remains unchanged, its presentation this time around is nothing short of breathtaking,” said.
The production couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment for Nigeria, as the country navigates its current challenges.
“With unwavering belief, the team affirms that Nigeria is God’s beloved nation, and this land is indeed God’s own – TI OLUWA NILE.
“Following a teaser released, Aroba Groove has announced that drama enthusiasts can look forward to a treat from October as the ingenious production tour cities across the country and abroad.
The talented cast for the stage-play featuring Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Actress Aisha Lawal, Ozain, Lekan Agba Inaki, Jude Chukwuka, and Dele Omo Woli amongst others, will bring the production to life in these cities, promising an unforgettable experience.
The iconic film, released in three parts, remains one of the best-selling Yoruba movies of all time, and this reconciliation marks a new chapter in the industry’s history.
