VANGUARD
The legendary Yoruba movie ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’, written by veteran actor and producer Alhaji Kareem Adepoju, popularly known as ‘Baba Wande”, is set to be adapted into a stage play titled ‘ASIYANBI: TI OLUWA NI ILE’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ was originally penned in 1987 by Baba Wande and transformed into a cinematic gem in 1993 through collaboration between the esteemed writer and Mainframe Production, under the skilled direction of Tunde Kelani.
‘ASIYANBI: TI OLUWA NI ILE’ is in support of ‘AROBA GROOVE’, an international cultural organisation, signalling a new chapter in the legacy of the cinematic masterpiece.
Akindeji Ibitayo, the project coordinator and supervisory producer at Aroba Groove, said at a news conference on Friday in Lagos that the stage play was about retelling stories and histories in a compelling and exciting style, particularly of African origin.
“We took a deep look at the history of the country, the colonisation, independence, tribulations, challenges, and our growth and evolution over the years, and we concluded that Nigeria is God’s own country.
“So, what project can we use to portray this? Here comes ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’, but in a different format.
“Coincidentally, Nigeria’s recent democracy will be hitting a landmark period of 25 continuous years.
“What better time can the project fall into, for characters such as Asiyanbi who are desecrating and flouting the laws and orders of the land, this is a project to let them know that there will be grave consequences.
“Nigerians and the world in general should watch out for this,” he said.
Also, Dotun Taylor, Executive Producer of the project, said that the 30-year-old movie, which has captivated audiences as one of Nollywood’s most-watched and top-selling stories in history, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers.
“Now, with the upcoming stage production presented by AROBA GROOVE, the timeless story is set to be reimagined and brought to life in a fresh and dynamic theatrical experience,” he said.
According to him, the film intricately weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and societal complexities, drawing viewers into a world where greed collides with tradition and justice is sought through supernatural intervention.
The executive director said that the narrative follows the gripping saga of two individuals who conspire with a corrupt chief to illegally sell ancestral land to a petroleum company for personal gain.
Their deceit met with fierce resistance from the community and the intervention of the oracle, embodying the land’s sacred deities.
As the true ownership of the land is revealed and consequences unfold, the chief finds himself entangled in a web of challenges that test his fate and traditional standing, leading to a climactic showdown that will determine his ultimate destiny.
Taylor noted that with its cinematic debut, ‘TI OLUWA NILE’ garnered widespread acclaim and adoration, solidifying its status as a blockbuster and a cultural touchstone in Nollywood history.
According to Taylor, ‘ASIYANBI TI OLUWA NI ILE’ is prepared to take centre stage, emphasising the enduring relevance and resonance of the timeless story and underscoring its enduring impact on audiences across generations.
