Dotun Sanusi Funds Film Celebrating Governor Makinde’s Life, Ancestral Roots

 

…Dele Odule, Dupe Jayesinmi, Lalude, Iya Gomina, Others Shine in ‘Seyi Makinde Omojomolo’

In a much-anticipated release, the Yoruba film industry, also known as Nollywood, is gearing up to launch the highly-anticipated movie, ‘Ifin Omojomolo,’ on YouTube.

This cinematic masterpiece, sponsored by the esteemed Ibadan-based billionaire businessman, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, promises to captivate audiences with its stellar cast and compelling storyline.

Titled ‘Ifin’ (Obatala Kolanut), the film is produced by Omolara Adebayo, affectionately known as ‘Iya Kuegbe,’ and boasts a lineup of renowned Nollywood stars, including Dele Odule, Dupe Jayesinmi, Fatai Oodua (Lalude), and Omolara Adebayo herself.

The movie also features Ahmed Ayomide, Adebayo Ọlálékan (Agbontawon), Musiliu Dasofunjo, Ayodele Omotosho, Ayo Oluyemi, and Chief Mrs. Saratu Aduke Konibaje (Iyaloja General of Oyo State), among other talented actors.

‘I F I N Omojomolo,’ led by Iya Kuegbe, a respected figurehead of elderly women and affectionately known as ‘Iya Gomina’ (Governor’s mother) in political circles, aims to showcase why Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has become a beloved and esteemed political figure in the state.

The producer, Omolara Adebayo, revealed that the film portrays Governor Makinde’s remarkable character, even during his teenage years when he sold bread on the streets of Ibadan to support his family. She emphasised that the movie offers valuable lessons and inspiration to the younger generation, encouraging them to lead impactful lives.

According to her, “People may be wondering why is it that Seyi Makinde, out of many people, becomes the most adored politician and political leader of immense value and honour today?

“The reason is in his distinguishing character from birth as a child imbued with love and honour and always ready to shoulder other people’s burdens and responsibilities.

“As a little boy, Seyi Makinde has been showing philanthropic spirit from his teenage years and could deny himself to support anybody in need.

“He has always been a peace-loving gentleman to the core who loves to use his hard-earned wealth to settle issues and make people comfortable.

“He also helped his parents hawking bread to support them in their times of need.

“He is a real Ibadan ‘shon of the soil’ with an ancestral home at his family compound of Aigbofa Oja’ba Ibadan.

“The story tells of how his great grandfather who was an herbalist left Ogbomoso to first settle in Ajia (their village in Egbeda Local Government) before relocating to the main city after he consulted the oracle for Balogun Ogunmola ahead of an imminent war which the victorious Ibadan warriors conquered.

“His prediction that they would win the war which came to pass, made Ogunmola give him a land to settle in the heart of Ibadan which is today known as Aigbofa compound in the present-day Ibadan Southeast Local Government,” she narrated the history behind Makinde’s ancestral home in Ibadan.

Adebayo expressed her gratitude to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, whose unwavering support made the production possible from start to finish.

She said, “My appreciation goes to Engr Dotun Sanusi who believed in this project and provided all the logistics support to make this film on Governor Seyi Makinde’s life a reality.

“My prayer to God is to continue to bless Engr Dotun Sanusi who today is our God-send philanthropist and promoter of good governance in Oyo State and the country as a whole. This film will soon be premiered for the public to enjoy.”

Explaining the choice of ‘Ifin’ (Kolanut) as the movie’s title, Adebayo highlighted the cultural significance of Kolanut in the lives of the Yoruba people. She mentioned that Kolanut, known for its exceptional quality and spiritual value, holds a special place in Yoruba culture, religion, and social gatherings. Adebayo also noted that Kolanut played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s history and was considered a symbol of unity during the nation’s early years.

Adebayo added that a writer went further to state as follows: “…However, the pattern, and presentation of kola nut in all of these places (Yorubaland, Igboland, and Hausaland) when a visitor comes around, approves his welcome in the same way that denial of kola nut denotes displeasure and disapproval.

“Among the Igbo, it is said in a proverb that “onye wetera oji, wetera ndu”, which translates to “he who brings kola, brings life.

” The implication of kola nut presentation, therefore implies the establishment of love and trust. And that is why, it is believed that whoever partakes in the sharing and eating of kola nut with one has become one’s friend and has entered into an oath of preservation of life with one.

“In this sense, kola nut becomes a communion food. A feast of love, trust, and togetherness, and these qualities are embedded in this character today known as our darling Governor Seyi Makinde,” Adebayo added.

Adebayo, also emphasised that the presentation of Kolanut during welcoming ceremonies across various Nigerian regions symbolizes hospitality and approval, highlighting its deep-rooted cultural importance.

The release of ‘Ifin Omojomolo’ on YouTube is eagerly anticipated by fans of Yoruba cinema, as it promises to be a riveting cinematic experience that celebrates the rich culture and political journey of Oyo State’s distinguished Governor, Seyi Makinde.