ABEOKUTA. ‘Iwe Àlá: An Ojude Oba Story’ received an early spotlight on June 1, 2026, with a private screening hosted by former president Olusegun Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Cinemas in Abeokuta.
The event, organised by Come On Naija, brought together the film’s cast and crew for a rare pre-release showing that doubled as both a cultural moment and a personal milestone for many in attendance.
The screening marked Mercy Aigbe’s first time watching one of her films ahead of its premiere. But beyond that, the experience of sharing the room with Obasanjo stood out.
“It meant a lot to me,” she said, recalling how the former president reacted in real time. “He would giggle and comment… it showed he was really invested in the story.”
The film, which cast members repeatedly described as both entertaining and instructive, explores themes of family, legacy, and betrayal against the backdrop of the Ojude Oba festival and leans heavily into cultural storytelling. Cast members repeatedly described it as both entertaining and instructive.
Tobi Makinde reflected on the personal significance of the moment, drawing a line from childhood to career. “I remember struggling to catch a glimpse of him as a student,” he said. “Now I’m sitting in the same row with him, watching a film I’m part of.”
The invitation alone carried weight for Aishat Isiaka. “Anywhere I am, I have to come,” she said. “To sit in the same row with him, I’m honoured.”
The choice of venue was intentional. Executive producer Olawumi Fajemirokun noted Obasanjo’s long-standing interest in arts and culture as a key reason for hosting the screening at OOPL.
“It’s very humbling that a vision can finally be brought to life,” she said, describing the project as both challenging and rewarding.
Beyond the high-profile audience, ‘Iwe Àlá’ also aims to reframe how Ojude Oba is portrayed on screen. Farooq Oreagba pointed out that while the festival has often been documented, this film builds a narrative around it.
“This has a story,” he said. “It captures the essence: the planning, the family connections, the things people don’t see.”
Adeoluwa Owu directed the story set around one of the most visually striking cultural festivals to highlight the communal spirit behind Ojude Oba, where families reunite annually in elaborate displays of tradition and identity.
Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, ‘Iwe Àlá: An Ojude Oba Story’ will open in cinemas nationwide on June 12, 2026.
The film stars Owobo Ogunde, Mercy Aigbe, Dele Odule, Aishat Isiaka, Ademola Adedoyin, Tobi Makinde, Eniola Ajao, Farooq Oreagba, and Tolu Otebiyi.
