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Why They Are Still Being Talked About
Before the internet, Yoruba cinema was Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment heartbeat, captivating audiences with unforgettable tales of love, power, mysticism, and tradition. Classic movies became sensations, drawing viewers into worlds where every character became a household name. These films, spread by word of mouth and weekend screenings, united communities in shared laughter, suspense, and life lessons. Woven with rich proverbs and relatable themes, they became cultural treasures, leaving a legacy that still resonates deeply today.
CityPeople’s JAMIU ABUBAKAR reveals 50 of these evergreen Yoruba movies people can’t stop talking about.
(1) TI OLUWA NI ILE
Translated means The Land is the Lord’s) is a Nollywood Yoruba drama film sequel directed by Tunde Kelani. Released in 1993 through Mainframe Films and Television Productions, the film was Tunde Kelani’s debut film as a film director. It was made in 3 parts and listed as one of the 10 best-selling Yoruba movies. It tells the story of a community that faces a curse after its leaders sell sacred land for profit. This movie highlights the importance of ancestral connections and the belief that land is a divine gift that should not be desecrated or sold for personal gain. It is widely celebrated for reinforcing the value of land in Yoruba culture and showcasing spiritual repercussions for dishonouring ancestors. The movie starred top actors like Kareem Adepoju, Dele Odule, Grace Oyin Adejobi, Jide Oyegunle, and Yemi Shodimu.
(2) SAWOROIDE
Set in the fictional Yoruba town of Jogbo, this political satire follows the story of a traditional drum (saworoide) that holds leaders accountable. The drumming symbolizes the traditional checks and balances in Yoruba governance, where power must be wielded responsibly. The film serves as an allegory for contemporary political issues in Nigeria, critiquing corruption and abuse of power. Saworoide is a 1999 Nigerian political drama film, produced and directed by Tunde Kelani. It stars Kola Oyewo, Bukky Wright, Lere Paimo, Larinde Akinleye, Peter Fatomilola, Kunle Bamtefa, Adebayo Faleti, Kayode Olaiya and Doyin Hassan.
(3) O LE KU:
Is a 1997 Nigerian romantic drama film produced and directed by Tunde Kelani. It is an adaptation of Prof. Akinwunmi Ishola’s novel of the same name. It was released in 1997 by Mainframe Film and Television Productions. It was made in two parts. O Le Ku tells the story of Ajani, an undergraduate of the University of Ibadan who is in his final year. He is under pressure from his mother to find a partner and he unwittingly finds himself in a love quadrangle. He dates three women simultaneously; Asake, a secondary school teacher is his long-term girlfriend. He meets Lola a fresher who is tall, slim and pretty. The situation gets complicated when he meets a childhood acquaintance who eventually takes centre stage of the love drama. Asake’s father badgers her to sever her relationship with Ajani but she however falls pregnant, and Lola finds out and Ajani has to choose a wife under duress from his mother. Notable among those who cast in the movie are the likes of Yemi Shodimu as Ajani, Feyikemi Abodunrin as Asake, Pauline Dike as Lola, Omolola Amusan as Sade, Lere Paimo as Adeleke, Asake’s dad, Kola Oyewo as Oloye Ajasa, Hafiz Oyetoro, Toun Oni, Gboyega Olomodosi, Tunde Adegbola as Officer, Dupe Taylor as Officer’s Girlfriend, Lanre Hassan as Awero and Lai Karounwi as Soldier.
(4 ) SANGO
The Legendary African King This is an epic Nigerian film, written by Wale Ogunyemi, produced and directed by Obafemi Lasode in 1997. The film depicts the life and reign of the legendary fifteenth-century African king Sango, who ruled as the Alaafin of Oyo and became an important deity of the Yoruba people. The movie casts top movie stars likes; Peter Fatomilola, Racheal Oniga, Antar Laniyan, Obafemi Lasode, Wale Adebayo, Kola Oyewo, Jimi Sholanke, Kayode Odumosun and many oithers.
(5) AYO NI MOFE
Is a Yoruba drama movie that was directed and Produced by Tunde Kelani @tkelani and released in 1994 through Mainframe Films and Television Productions. It portrays Jumoke, (BOLA OBOT) who prefers a careless and irresponsible Ayo (YOMI OGUNMOLA) to a wealthy elderly trader (LERE PAIMO) in marriage. Ayo in a reckless move impregnates an underage Adunni (YINKA OYEDIJO). They are hurriedly packaged into marriage. Jumoke is rudely shocked when she discovers this state of affairs. Shock leads to confusion, confusion to depression and Jumoke ends up as a lunatic roaming the streets. However, Jealousy rears its ugly head in Adeleke’s household causing relapse and Jumoke’s readmission at the Psychiatric Hospital. Following his humiliation and devastation, Ayo falls into destitution, becoming the Captain among the local miscreants called Area boys. After the loss of her father, Adunni is ejected by her beleaguered mother who blames her for betraying her parents’ high expectations. Chief Tomobi continues in his elusive quest for an offspring. Ironically, marrying two wives is not enough to solve his problem, he must have sexual relations with a lunatic. Ayo Ni Mo Fe is a very interesting and Emotional movie which has as cast Lere Paimo, Yomi Ogunmola, Bola Obot, Kareem Adepoju, Yinka Oyedijo, Yemi Shodimu, Toyin Adegbola.
(6) KOTO ORUN
produced in 1989 was one of the epics and most watched movies then by Late Alhaji Yekinni Ajileye and his actors and actresses of Osogbo. The movie focused on the battles and how difficult life can be. This Ajileye movie was the real deal back then. Set in the pre-colonial era, a certain village was besieged by witches who torment the villagers at will. Although the evil witches are often confronted by the good ones, referred to as “Aje funfun” (the white witches) in the movie, it wasn’t enough to rid the town of these evil ones’ infestation. However, in response to the plight of the people of the village, the gods promised them a saviour who will be delivered by one of the king’s wives that will conquer the evil witches. So the witches, including the king’s first wife, came up with schemes after schemes to kill the prophesised bearer of the messiah. Notable names of characters in the movies are Abija, Iyamileko, Koledowo, Oyiboyin and so on.
(7) KOTO AYE
This movie was the real deal back then. It cemented Iya Gbonkan’s status as a screen legend. When this movie came out, it was not that the movie became an instant sensation alone, it was more about what it represented. The Late Alhaji Yekinni Ajileye decided to make a sequel after the success of KOTO ORUN which was released in 1989 and trust me, KOTO AYE fitted the bill perfectly. It’s a scary movie as at the time it came out.
(8) AGOGO EEWO
Agogo Eewo (English: Taboo Gong) is a 2002 Yoruba-language film and sequel to the 1999 film Saworoide. It was written by Akunwunmi Isola, and produced and directed by Tunde Kelani. It stars Dejumo Lewis, Deola Faleye, Lere Paimo and Larinde Akinleye. This is a movie sequel to Saworoide, it continues the narrative of power, corruption, and leadership accountability in the fictional town of Jogbo. It further delves into how tradition imposes moral responsibility on those in power. The movie is celebrated for its storytelling and political relevance, Yoruba values.
(9) AJE NI IYA MI
This mystical drama tells the story of a family cursed by witchcraft and the mother’s effort to protect her children from its harmful effects.
(10) THUNDERBOLT:
Magun is a 2001 Nigerian drama film directed and produced by Tunde Kelani. It was based on a book title Magun written by Adebayo Faleti and adapted for screenplay by Femi Kayode. Yinka, a Yoruba man falls in love with and marries Ngozi, an Igbo lady during their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Their marriage hits the rocks when false rumours of infidelity by Ngozi are made known to Yinka by his friends as Ngozi and Yinka spend long periods apart. His ego bruised and his insecurity heightened, Yinka engages the services of a babalawo who inflicts Ngozi with “Magun”, a chastity control mechanism. Ngozi realises this and has a few days to live due to the effect of the magun. She enlists the help of her friend Janet and Mama Tutu who encourage her to accept Dr. Dimeji Taiwo’s proposition. He is aware of the magus placed on Ngozi but mates with her for research purposes. In the process, he starts coughing up blood and is choking but is saved by the babalawo and Ngozi’s curse is lifted.
(11) OWO BLOW
A gritty crime drama about a young man trying to survive in the harsh urban environment of Lagos. Owo Blow is a 1997 Yoruba-language drama film directed by Tade Ogidan. It was made in 3 parts, namely: The Genesis, The Revolt, and The Final Struggle. It served as the first acting role for Femi Adebayo, Rachael Oniga and Bimbo Akintola. Owo Blow was classified as one of the big budget Nigerian films of 1997; It was released at Christmas time.
(12) EFUNSETAN ANIWURA
A historical film based on the powerful, controversial female leader in Yoruba history, reflecting on power and legacy. Efunsetan Aniwura is a 2005 Nigerian historical film about a heroine based in Abeokuta. it was produced by Funmi holder, directed by Tunde Kilani, and written by Akinwunmi Ishola. Efunsetan Aniwura loses her child after struggling to be a successful woman, as a custodian of many slaves. This leads to her being harsh on them and no one can withstand her heartlessness. After some years, she commits suicide.
(13) ARUGBA
A narrative about traditional customs, gender roles, and the challenges of modernization, focusing on a woman chosen for a sacred role. Arugba was screened across major cinemas in Nigeria and was later screened at the 60th anniversary of the University of Ibadan. In 2009, the movie screened at the 9th BFM International Film Festival in London. The movie featured a stellar cast, including Bukola Awoyemi, Segun Adefila, Peter Badejo, Funke Adeyemo, and Bukky Wright.
(14) ASEWO TO RE MECCA
The movie is one of the best Yoruba film drama of all time. Top actors like Oga Bello, Baba Aluwe, Sola Sobowale, Toyin Adegbola, Jide Kosoko and others starred in the classic yoruba old school drama released in 1992 by Adebayo Salami.
(15) MAAMI
A touching story of a mother’s unconditional love and sacrifice for her son’s future, set against the background of poverty. Adapted from a Nigerian novel, the film tells the story of a single mother and her young son over two days. Although desperately poor, Maami is a kind woman with a brave soul who tries to protect her son from the father he has never known. A father who caries a dark secret. Maami sees veteran director Kelani fuse the energy of Nollywood together
(16) THE FIGURINE (ARAROMIRE)
The Figurine: Araromire is a 2009 Nigerian supernatural suspense thriller film written by Kemi Adesoye, produced and directed by Kunle Afolayan, who also stars in the film as one of the main protagonists. It also stars Ramsey Nouah and Omoni Oboli. The film was first released at the 2009 Rotterdam International Film Festival and was met with widespread critical acclaim. It received ten nominations and won five awards at the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards
(17) AYE TOTO
Was one of the epics and most watched movies then by Late Alhaji Yekinni Ajileye and his actors and actresses of Osogbo.
(18) FEYIKOGBON
This was a Nigerian television program that first aired on NTA Channel 7, Lagos. It is considered one of the country’s longest running Yoruba language television series. The show aired on Sundays on a few NTA channels in Southwestern Nigeria in the 1980s. and 1990s. Feyikogbon was a Yoruba series that used a Storytelling format similar to another popular Nigerian TV show, Tales by Moonlight and ends with an ethical advice to the audience. Each episode of Feyikogbon consist of a realistic story and play that draws the attention of the TV audience who will like to know the outcome and moral of the play.
(19) ORUN MOORU
Orun Mooru is a 1982 Nigerian comedy film directed by Ola Balogun and produced by Moses Olaiya. The film narrates the story of a once successful businessman who was tricked by a herbalist into a failed get-rich-quick scheme, and then decides to commit suicide.
(20) OGBORI ELEMOSHO
Ogbori Elemoso is an epic histocal movie on the history of Ògbómòsó. The movie is about how Ògbómòsó was founded after Soun Ogunlola Ogundiran conquered Elemoso who was terrorizing Oyo-Ile (Old Oyo Empire) around the seventeenth century. Ogbori Elemoso movie was written and produced by Chief Lere Paimo (OFR) also known as Eda Onile Ola in the 1980s.
(21) KOSEEGBE
A political drama centered on corruption and the struggle to maintain personal integrity in a morally compromised society. Kòseégbé (English: Immovable) is a 1995 Yoruba drama film directed by Tunde Kelani based on a stage play of the same name by Akinwunmi Isola. The cast consisted of actors from the Obafemi Awolowo University theatre. It was released through Mainframe Films and Television Productions. Koseegbe tells the story of a morally upright customs officer who replaces a senior official who was dismissed on account of corruption. At his new post, he attempts to sanitize the system as he gets pushed back from the equally corrupt junior officers. In order to orchestrate his dismissal, the junior officers frame him for illicit behaviour. He is however able to secure their confession and absolve himself.
(22) AFONJA
A historical drama about power struggles and leadership, focusing on the complexities and responsibilities of governance. It is an Old Yoruba Movie of How Ilorin Became a Fulani Emirate Directed by Jare Adeniregun and Yemi Amodu, Afonja is star studded with Peter Fatomilola Abiodu Adedeji, Mukaila Adeniji, Kareem Adepoju, Laide Adewale and others.
(23) BASHORUN GAA
A tale of a powerful Yoruba chieftain, exploring his ambitious and ruthless rule and its impact on his people. Bashorun Gaa, written and directed by Faleti, is the story of a tyrannical chieftain responsible for the dethronement of four Alaafins, via murder or forced suicide. In Gaa’s world, power does not flow naturally, with the Alaafin as the head of the empire. Power is bent to Gaa’s will, and everything else is unnatural. With his diabolical influence, Gaa wields control over the Oyo empire’s political system and corrupts everything that should serve the common good, like equity and justice.
(24) ASIRI NLA
Produced in 1993, Asiri ‘nla is a suspenseful narrative about the dangerous effects of hidden secrets within a family. It is one of the top movies thast ever graced the screen back then.
(25) OGA
A drama about a morally upright man trapped in a world of deceit and corruption as he tries to succeed in society.
(26) CAMPUS QUEEN
A university romance exploring cliques, ambition, and the dynamics of campus life. The Campus Queen, a musical movie directed by Tunde Kelani, was released in Nigeria in April 2004 ¹. The movie revolves around the life of university students, their music, dance and activism, and the power struggle between student clubs. The movie also premiered at the 2004 African Film Festival in New York City, USA
(27) AYE
Is a movie produced in 1997 by Yekini Ajileye of bblessed memory. The movie projects Key Characters like Fadeyi Oloro (Ojo Arowosafe), a feared herbalist who dabbles in dark magic; the villagers who fall victim to the powers of witchcraft and spiritual forces.
(28) OBUKO DUDU
Is a top movie highly watched back then. It was produced in 1995 by Baba Wande Production.
(29) LEPA SHANDY
Is another wavemaking movie produced by Gbenga Adewusi (Bayowa Films). The Protagonist in the movie was Folake Ojo. She took the role of Lepa Shandy, a slim, street-smart woman navigating life’s issues. The mention of the name of the movie take a trip down memory lane to 2002, twenty-two years ago, when the hilarious movie “LEPA SHANDY” graced our screens. Featuring the late Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, alongside Toyin Tomato (Sola Sobowale) and Shade Omoniyi as Lepa Shandy, this film by Bayowa Records brought joy to many.
(30) ABELA PUPA
Abela Pupa (Red Candle) is a classic Yoruba movie released in 2003 and directed bby Ebun Oloyede (Olaiya Igwe). It was about a wealthy man, Ademola who used his club members for money ritual by asking them to wear white outfits for an event and they eventually died in a ghastly accident on their way. Notable among top actors it cast are Dele Odule, Clarion Chukura, Kayode Odumosu, Remi Abiola, Makin Amusan, Nike Peller etc
(31) IRU ESIN
Is the story of Olaiya that rose above all tribulations to become a successful man. Iru Esin is a very emotional movie. The movie was directed by Ebun Oloyede @kingoftiata and written by Waheed Ijaduade. It featured Azeez Ijaduade(Ola), Ebun Oloyede(Olaiya), Baba Suwe, Waheed Ijaduade( Dimeji), Kanran, Yemi my lover, Kayode Akindina, and Toyin Afolayan(Lola Idije) among others.
(32) AGBARA N’LA
Is a top sit-come movie produced in 1993 by Mike Bamiloye’s Mount Zion Films where Pastor (Mike Bamiloye) fights dark powers; other church members deal with spiritual battles.
(33) ARELU
This movie was Produced by Jimoh Aliu in 1989 and it featured key characters like Fadeyi Oloro (Ojo Arowosafe), a dark sorcerer; villagers struggling under his oppressive reign.
- OWO EJE
Is a special movie from the early 2000s (2005). This movie was so good that Sule Ebira became well-known among Yoruba and Ebira People.
(35) APOTI ERI
Coming from the stables of MountZion Films, ‘Apoti Eri’, a classic 2001 Mount Zion film that takes you back to fond memories.
(36) KANRAN
THE KILLER
This brings back the memories of watch action movies full1990s of intrigues with the Key Characters, Chief Kanran, a ruthless enforcer; characters affected by his vendettas.
(37) YEMI MY LOVER
Produced by Yemi Ayebo in 1994. The Key Characters, Yemi Ayebo (Yemi My Lover), who embarks on a magical love journey; Risi, his love interest.
(38) IPADABO ABIJA
With Key Character, Abija (Olayemi Jimoh), a warrior defending against supernatural forces; villagers who revere and fear him.
Also worthy of note among many other Yoruba classics that stand out for the impressive production efforts that brought traditional and modern stories to the screen, building a foundation for Nigeria’s rich film heritage are movies such as Batawahala, Amina Eleha, Seranko Seniyan, Legal Wife, Jensinmi, Yanpon Yanrin, Iyami Leko, Amin Orun, Omo Araye Le, Ibinu Elewon and Meje Meje.
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