Two major movie projects, backed by powerful royalties, celebrated filmmakers, and deep cultural roots, are racing toward becoming the definitive cinematic retelling of the legendary 16-year war. But like the war itself, the journey is not without politics, rivalry, tribal allegiance, and decades-long anticipation.
This is the untold story of two Kiriji movies — one birthing slowly for over 25 years, the other emerging recently from a new wave of Yoruba cinematic revival — both preparing to collide on the big screen and shape public memory for generations.
THE LEGEND OF KIRIJI: A WAR THAT RESHAPED YORUBA LAND
To understand the intensity surrounding these film projects, one must revisit the history.
Between 1877 and 1893, the Yoruba nation was engulfed in the Kiriji War, named after the earth-shaking sound of the cannons fired by Ekiti-Parapo forces — “ki rii ji,” meaning “the cannon wakes the earth.”
The war pitted:
Ibadan, the dominant military power of the era against
The Ekiti Parapo Confederation (Ekiti, Ijesa, Akoko, Ekiti-Ako, and other allied kingdoms)
This wasn’t merely a military struggle — it was a battle for autonomy, freedom from Ibadan domination, and the survival of identity.
The war changed Yoruba political structure forever, culminating in the 1893 Peace Treaty signed by Governor Carter, which finally ended centuries of civil wars in Yorubaland.
It is a story of heroism, betrayal, diplomacy, bloodshed, and ancient pride — a story that demands cinema.
THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL: ANIKE OBOT’S 25-YEAR KIRIJI PROJECT
Long before Nollywood rediscovered its power at the box office, before The Wedding Party, Agesinkole, Anikulapo or Jagun Jagun, one woman carried a monumental dream on her shoulders:
Bolade Anike Obot.
The visionary producer behind Ayonimofe began working on the Kiriji War film in the late 1990s — a time when billion-naira budgets were unheard of in Yoruba filmmaking.
From “Jogunomi” to Mega-Film Vision
Her passion birthed an earlier film, Jogunomi, directed by the respected filmmaker Niji Akanni. Jogunomi was inspired by the real-life adventures of Monmodu Jogunomi, one of Obot’s ancestors, who fought as an Ibadan warrior during the Kiriji War.
That film was only a “scaled-down trial version,” as Anike revealed — a testing ground for a far bigger cinematic dream.
A ₦1 Billion Budget Before Nollywood Learned to Dream Big
Long before Yoruba cinema embraced big budgets, Anike Obot boldly announced a ₦1 billion budget for her Kiriji film. At the time, it seemed insane. Today, with record-breaking Yoruba films, it seems prophetic.
The project gained even more gravitas when His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed strong support. Cultural custodians, historians, and filmmakers rallied behind Obot’s vision.
A Script Reviewed by Royalty
Years ago, at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, a massive script conference was held — attended by:
70% of Ekiti Obas
The late Olubadan
The late Alaafin of Oyo
Culture scholars and historians
Veteran filmmakers
The consensus was clear: the Kiriji story must be told. And from Anike Obot’s roots — Ibadan, but with ties to Ijesa, Ekiti, and Ife — the film would likely reflect the Ibadan viewpoint with cultural balance.
For 25 years, the thunder has been gathering. But then — another thunderclap.
ENTER THE NEW RIVALS: ADEDIMEJI LATEEF & MOBIMPE’S KIRIJI PROJECT
The husband-and-wife powerhouse behind Lisabi, the blockbuster film chronicling Egba resistance and heroism, have quietly launched their own Kiriji War project.
Lateef Adedimeji — The New Son of History
Lateef’s portrayal of historical figures has positioned him as a cultural interpreter in Yoruba cinema. From playing legends to telling Egba stories, he has earned credibility and mass appeal.
Mobimpe — Returning Home to Tell Ekiti’s Side
For Mobimpe, who hails from Ekiti, this isn’t just another role — it’s a homecoming. The Kiriji War is the defining historical moment for Ekiti people. Their film, sources say, aims to authentically present the Ekiti-Parapo perspective of the war.
The Winning Trump Card: Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare
The involvement of Prof. Ojo Bakare, Africa’s first Professor of Dance-Theatre and a dramatic arts icon, changes the game entirely. His expertise in culture, stage choreography, and historical interpretation is unmatched.
His participation from the early stages of the project is already shaping:
Character development
War choreography
Cultural accuracy
Epic staging and battle sequencing
Ekiti State Government & Royal Approval
Unlike Anike Obot’s largely private-driven model, the Adedimeji-led project enjoys:
Official support from the Ekiti State Government
Backing from leading Ekiti royal fathers
A structured production team with fresh momentum
The script, reportedly in advanced review, is currently being fine-tuned by respected Yoruba film director Rasak Olayiwola (Ojo Pagogo) — known for precision, depth, and cultural fidelity.
This shifts the balance dramatically.
A TALE OF TWO MOVIES, TWO STORIES, ONE HISTORY
The Kiriji War belongs to no single dynasty — it is Yoruba collective memory.
So, can two different movies be made?
Absolutely. And they should.
Why? Because:
Ibadan’s story is different from Ekiti’s story.
The war’s heroes differ depending on which side of the forest you’re standing.
The politics, betrayals, negotiations, and motivations vary across perspectives.
History is not a straight road — it is a marketplace of memories.
What Audiences Can Expect
1. Anike Obot’s Film
A grand, decades-long vision
Likely Ibadan-leaning narrative
Massive historical detail
Royal validation from multiple Yoruba domains
A long-awaited payoff for a project 25 years in the making
2. The Adedimeji/Mobimpe/Prof. Bakare Film
Modern cinematic aesthetics
Dynamic storytelling
Ekiti-Parapo perspective
Strong institutional support
A younger, more mainstream audience pull
These two films will not clash — they will complement each other while creating one of the most exciting cinematic rivalries in Yoruba history.
THE BATTLE AHEAD — AND WHY IT MATTERS
This isn’t just about film.
It’s about:
Cultural memory
Historical ownership
Yoruba unity
Preserving heritage
Artistic interpretation
Generational storytelling
Representation of ancient wars with modern sophistication
For a war that lasted 16 years, took thousands of lives, birthed treaties, reshaped kingdoms, and ended centuries of conflict, two films are barely enough.
WHY THIS IS GOOD FOR CINEMA
Competition drives quality
Historical films strengthen cultural identity
Yoruba cinema enters global historical-epic conversations
Young Nigerians reconnect with their roots
The world gets a deeper understanding of Yoruba civilization
FINAL TAKE: A HISTORIC DUEL WORTH WAITING FOR
Just as the Kiriji War shaped Yoruba history, the two Kiriji movies may shape Yoruba cinematic history.
One is a dream 25 years in the making.
The other is a bold new vision backed by emerging stars and cultural scholars.
Both matter.
Both will be watched.
Both will fuel debates, loyalty, curiosity, pride, and cultural reawakening.
Like the thunder of ancient cannons, the Kiriji story is coming to life again — twice — and the Yoruba nation will be watching.
0 Comments