For Nollyphiles, few topics stir as much as prequels or sequels. Some see them as unnecessary add-ons that dilute the original story. Others embrace them as a chance to dive deeper into a character who refuses to fade from memory.
Toluwanimi Okunade, a lawyer living in Ibadan and a committed Nollyphile falls into the latter category. For this Nollyphile, there is at least one story that deserves the gamble: the rise of the young Eniola Salami from ‘King of Boys’.
In this conversation, he paints a vivid picture of what such a prequel could look like, who should star alongside her and the characters he would pull from the Kemi Adetiba cinematic universe to make it work.
What’s a character you’d follow into a prequel?
Definitely the young Eniola Salami from ‘King of Boys’, played by Toni Tones. That performance was unforgettable, and the character had so much promise beyond what we saw.
What would you like to see more of in that character?
A balance of who she was personally and how her story unfolded politically. When we first meet older Eniola, she’s already this powerful Lagos socialite who has taken control after her husband’s death. But how did she get there? I’d love to see the ruthless steps she took to establish herself, how she navigated the men who underestimated her, and how she carved longevity on the throne. That rise deserves to be told in full detail.
What part of her story deserves its own spotlight?
The rise. Specifically, those first moments of asserting herself, building alliances, and forcing her way into spaces that didn’t want her there. That’s the foundation of everything we later see in her.
Would you want the spin-off as a drama, comedy, thriller, or something else?
It has to be a thriller. Something in the vein of ‘King of Boys’ itself; intense, dangerous, suspenseful. Eniola’s story can’t be lightened; it needs grit to capture her journey.
Which other Nollywood characters would you cross over into her story?
I’d bring in Oboz from ‘To Kill a Monkey’, Bucci Franklin’s character. He has that same rough edge and would clash beautifully with Eniola. I’d also add Nse Ikpe-Etim. She’s such a force on screen, and I imagine the kind of beef or rivalry between her and young Eniola would be unforgettable. Together, they could either be allies or enemies, but whichever way it goes, the chemistry would be intense.
Do you see Eniola more as a hero, anti-hero, or villain in her spin-off?
Villain… maybe anti-hero.. When I was watching ‘King of Boys’, I actually wanted her to win. Then I had to check myself like, “Wait, does this mean I’m not a good person?” because she was ruthless. But that’s how powerful the character is, you root for her despite everything.
What’s one scene from the original movie you wish had been extended?
The scene where she came to the table for the first time. Everyone was asking what she was doing there, saying she wasn’t supposed to be there. Then she killed one of them, sat down, and told the rest, “If you have anything to say, feel free, say it now.” That scene alone could inspire a whole spin-off.
How would you end the spin-off?
Since it would be a prequel, I’d end it by showing her becoming President. That would symbolize her ultimate rise; controlling not just Lagos’ underworld, but the entire country. It’s the ultimate full circle: from underestimated widow to national powerhouse.
Would you prefer it as a movie, series, or mini web series?
A series. But not weekly episodes, I don’t think I’d enjoy that. I’d prefer a full season drop, like Netflix does. Give us one season, then disappear for a few years, then come back with the next. That kind of anticipation makes it sweeter.
Do you think Nollywood should do more character-based prequels?
Honestly, no. Nollywood hasn’t always handled sequels well, and spin-offs are even trickier. For now, it’s better to focus on getting original stories right. But if they were to try, young Eniola would be the perfect place to start.
