Mixed Feelings As Egba Descendants, Gov Abiodun Share Different Views On Lateef Adedimeji’s New Movie “Lisabi”

After the release of his latest movie, the President of the Club of Egba Omolisabi Descendants, Sowunmi Olanrewaju Ebenezer, has expressed regret that Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji omitted certain key points in his recent movie, “Lisabi”.

Meanwhile, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has praised the producer of Lisabi movie, Lateef Adedimeji for the biopic movie about Egba land.

In his review, the Club President said Adedimeji’s film neglected to include important aspects of Lisabi’s story, specifically his origin from Itoku and residence in Igbein, saying that the omissions detract from the accuracy and completeness of the movie, which tells the story of Lisabi.

,,,,,,Sowunmi, the Ogidi Omo Egba in his review on the movie equally commended Adedimeji for filming the legacy of the fabled Yoruba hero, Lisabi whose life made a lasting impression not only in Abeokuta but Nigeria at large.

,,,,,,,He, however, commended Adedimeji for the high-quality production, particularly in terms of costume design and the expertise of the cast. But he noted that the storyline is incomplete and lacks certain crucial elements that are essential to the narrative.

,,,,,According to him “In the story, certain key points must not be omitted. When Lisabi was ready for his own ‘Aaro, he instructed all members to return to their respective towns and to kill any llari (Oyo Empire’s tax collectors) stationed there. Akodu from Oba was the first to kill an llari, beheading him out of fear. He then took the severed head to Igbein to present it to Lisabi.”

,,,,,He explained that the story is so well cultured, “In the story of Lisabi, several important events show his key role in freeing the Egba people from the harsh rule of the Oyo Empire. When Lisabi was ready to start his ‘Aaro’ (a communal work group that he secretly turned into a resistance movement), he gathered his people and gave them clear instructions. He told the Egba people to…..return to their towns and quietly get rid of any Ilari, the feared tax collectors of the Oyo Empire, who represented the empire’s control over the Egba.

“There is a person called Akodu. In a brave move, Akodu killed Ilari and cut off his head, a powerful sign of resistance against the Oyo Empire’s oppression. Afraid of what might happen after his actions, Akodu brought the head to Lisabi at Igbein.

,,,,,”This act caused the conflict between Oyo and Egba. When the Oyo Empire heard about the rebellion, they prepared to march on Egba towns to stop it. Knowing the empire would strike back, the Egba leaders, guided by Lisabi, made plans to protect their people. They hid all the women and children in safe places away from the fighting to keep them safe during the war.

,,,,,,,”Also Lisabi is from Itoku, he was living in Igbein at the time, where he played a leading role in organizing the resistance. His leadership brought the Egba people together and gave them the courage to stand up against the powerful Oyo Empire, marking a key moment in their fight for freedom.

______”This incident occurred just before the Oyo Empire waged war against the Egba. As the Oyo forces approached, the Egba people hid their women and children in a secure location to protect them.”

In contrary, Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his speech at the premier of the movie, his deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele who represented the governor, described the movie, ‘Lisabi: The Uprising’, as a vivid reminder of the heroic exploits of courage, resilience and determination, which shaped the identity and ethos of the Egbas over the years.

Governor Abiodun, stated this during the premier of the movie at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, noting that from the trials of the past to the challenges of the present, the Egba people had stood united, overcoming every obstacle that came their way, adding that Lisabi was a legendary Yoruba hero of the 19th century, known for leading a successful resistance against the then Oyo Empire and the high-handedness of the Alafia of Oyo.

He stressed that Lisabi’s story resonates deeply with our current challenges and aspirations, reminding us of the power of unity and importance of standing up for our rights, saying our ancestors had passed down the traditions and values that define the Yoruba people, which would thrive for generations to come.

Governor Abiodun assured that his administration remained committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage which abound in the state, just as it understands the importance of history and storytelling in shaping identity, to foster communal living.

He urged people to draw inspiration from the bravery, patriotism and exemplary leadership of Lisabi, by taking ownership of development initiatives that ensure sustainability, educate themselves on their rights and responsibilities, promote active citizenship, peaceful coexistence and national identity.

While congratulating the Producer of the movie, Mr. Lateef Adedimeji, on the success of the work, Governor Abiodun commended the tireless efforts he put into preserving and promoting the rich cultural history of the Egba people, reaffirming that his administration places a high priority on cultural revival, social justice and community development, with a passion to harmonise the invaluable contributions of the citizens.

Earlier, Mr. Adedimeji said the premier and exhibition of the movie in Abeokuta became imperative, considering the uniqueness of Egbaland in tourism and the giant strides of the state government in creative art, culture and tourism, which were key focus areas under ‘ISEYA’ mantra.

He pledged support towards improving, promoting and showcasing the social cultural heritage of the state, enjoining stakeholders in the movie industries not to relent in showcasing the rich social cultural heritage of the country.