While ‘Elesin Oba’ is filled with many solid moral lessons, it lacks the layers and dialogue that could easily mould it into a masterpiece...
’. In addition to showcasing films that are proof of Nollywood’s growth, we have also seen some big production companies embrace the use of indigenous languages in their movies.
While ‘Elesin Oba’ is filled with many solid moral lessons, it lacks the layers and dialogue that could easily mould it into a masterpiece and earn the Oscar recognition the storyline and concept genuinely deserve.We are introduced to the old Oyo empire, where a mini party is held. It is immediately revealed that the party’s purpose is to celebrate the king’s horseman, who would commit a ritual suicide later that night.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, we have Simon Pilkings, a provincial officer who is made aware of the ritual suicide by a police officer, Amusan. Appalled at such “crude” practices, he decides to stop them. So, he arrested Elesin before his soul could depart for the afterlife. The screenplay is applaudable for a film that was adapted from a play. The dialogues were spot on and grounded in Yoruba traditions. A list of favourite scenes includes the ones where the villagers chant and the conversations between Iyaoloja and Elesin. The former was mainly because it reminded me of how rich our culture is, and the latter because it showed the dynamic that existed between both characters.