“Ti Oluwa Ni Ile”: Baba Wande and Kelani’s reconciliation and a crucial lesson for Nollywood filmmakers

“Ti Oluwa Ni Ile”: Baba Wande and Kelani’s reconciliation and a crucial lesson for Nollywood filmmakers

The eminent filmmaker Tunde Kilani and veteran Yoruba movie star Kareem Adepoju, better known as Baba Wande, were commended for their outstanding leadership in resolving their long-running conflict by Dotun Taylor, President of the international cultural organization Aroba Groove.

Taylor highlighted the veterans’ readiness to set aside their disagreements as an important lesson for the film business and beyond. The 30-year conflict, according to a statement made by Taylor on Saturday in Lagos, was centered on royalties from the successful 1993 film “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.”

He went on to say that the reconciliation would open the door to fresh cooperation and the promotion of Nigerian entertainment on a worldwide scale.

Adepoju’s 1987 script for “Ti Oluwa Nile” was developed into a three-part film in 1993 by Kilani’s Mainframe Films and Television Productions. Taylor claimed that the rivalry between the two veterans had somehow impacted Nollywood’s development. “As the Asoju Asa Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, I played a crucial role in facilitating the peaceful resolution.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also told me how great the movie ‘Ti Oluwa Nile,’ and that is why he chose me as an agent for the reconciliation of the long-running feud.” In order to finalize the settlement, representatives from the palace paid Tunde Kelani a visit at his residence in Abeokuta.

“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,” he said.

“The Aroba Groove successfully mediated the reconciliation that has given birth to the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI’, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he declared.

He claims that ASIYANBI, which is produced by Aroba Groove in association with the House of Oduduwa and approved by the Ooni of Ife, is meant to teach the next generation about the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

According to him, what they did showed how important it is for generations to work together and ensure that the knowledge and values passed down from the older generation to the younger one are seamless.

“By cooperating, we can steer clear of misunderstandings and misdirected efforts, which will ultimately promote advancement and growth in the entertainment sector.”

Taylor reported that the two veterans thanked the Ooni of Ife for his intervention.

As per Taylor’s account, Baba Wande declared that Kelani is his closest friend during their reconciliation.

The peace initiative, according to Kelani, served as a reminder to the workers (Ti Oluwa Nile) that their labor was valued.

“ASIYANBI” producer and project coordinator Mr. Ibitayo Akindeji said that Aroba Groove is bringing back the classic story with a groundbreaking stage production and that it will be an exciting and avant-garde theatrical experience.

Later this year, major cities in Nigeria, the UK, and the USA are expected to host audiences enthralled by the captivating stage play, according to Akindeji.

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