by Augusta Okon
Welcome back to our journey through the cinematic legends of Nigerian cinema! Following the overwhelming response to our first list, we’re diving back into the archives to celebrate another 20 Nollywood epic movies that defined a generation.
In this second instalment, we journey deeper into the treasure chest of cinematic gems that shaped our collective imagination. These films not only entertained but preserved cultural heritage, redefined storytelling, and cemented Nollywood’s place in Africa’s creative history. Prepare for another trip down memory lane—this time, with even more unforgettable titles that stirred our hearts and inspired a generation.
So grab your kola nut and settle in—we’re about to revisit another set of legendary titles that helped define an era and continue to inspire the storytellers of today.
ESOHE
Think about the themes of love and reincarnation, then you’ve got the movie ‘Esohe’. It tells the story of Gary Barber who lectures at a university in the States and co-habits with his girlfriend, Claire. He suffers from nightmares, violent flashes of visions of a past rooted in the ancient Benin Empire. Both decide to travel to Benin to find answers to the recurring problem and they do.
He is the reincarnation of Ifagbai, the rejected son of Akukuo Eghosa, the Oba’s great warrior, who must be reunited with his love from his past life, Esohe… but there’s just one big problem! The same forces that frustrated their love during their time as Ifagbai and Esohe have also been reincarnated to frustrate it again, and this time, make it permanent!
Shot in Benin City, it was directed by Charles Uwagbai and stars Jimmy Jean-Louis, Misty Lockhert, Desmond Elliot, Chris Attoh, Bimbo Manuel, Ufuoma McDermott, Toyin Aimakhu, Jemima Osunde and Monica Omorodion Swaida.
OGBORI ELEMOSO
Ogbomosho was founded in the mid-17th century by a brave hunter called Ogunlola. He migrated with his wife Esuu to the present land which back then was a thick forest. He built a hut and settled there. He soon realised there were four other hunters in the jungle;
Aale, a Nupe elephant hunter who camped in what is now known as Oke Elerin.
Onisile, an Otta prince who left his town due to a title dispute who camped in inj, now Ijeru.
Orisatolu, who camped at Isapa and the fourth Akande, which no longer exists.
Ogunlola dominated them and they subsequently formed “Alongo” with the settlement expanding as more people migrated and settled there. It grew into a village, he was made the Head with his hut used as the venue to discuss vital issues and to settle disagreement.
He was later imprisoned at Oyo-Ile, the old Oyo empire, for an alleged crime and in prison, he heard about the acts of terror unleashed by the Oyo people by a brave warrior called Elemoso.
Ogunlola then convinced the Alaafin that he could put an end to Elemoso which he did and presented Elemoso’s head to the Alaafin. He was pardoned and coaxed to remain in Oyo–Ile but he refused.
He returned to his village and was made the supreme leader with the title “soun” making him the first “soun of Ogbomosho”. The settlement was then called “Eyi ti Ogbori Elemoso” which means “the one who carried Elemoso’s head”. It was then shortened to “Ogbori Elemoso”, and later “Ogbomosho”. So, from a village it rose to a strong town and had its name etched in the annals of Yoruba history.
The movie of same name was written and produced by Chief Lere Paimo and distributed by Eda Films Ltd, it stars Lere Paimo, Jide Kosoko, Isola Ogunsola, Kareem Adepoju, Idowu Philips, Ogun Majek, and Deji Olofa Ina.
The story unveils the events that led to the establishment of Ogbomoso and unveils the terror people are facing courtesy of Idagiri, with the Olugbon looking for a way to end the same. He deploys his chiefs to speak with Ogunlola to help them. He refuses but later accepts and defeats Idagiri. He is given a new bride by the Olugbon as a reward for a job well done.
However, the bride was initially meant to marry his friend Baba Ijesha. Driven by anger, he attempts to murder Ogunlola in his sleep, who wakes up, both fight, and Baba Ijesha dies. Justice must be served, so he is whisked away to Oyo to be judged. There, he volunteers to fight Elemoso, who has been a thorn in the flesh of Oyo. He emerges victorious over Elemoso and chops off his head and takes it back to Oyo, which leads to massive celebration.
JOGUNOMI
Jógunómí meaning “Let the war be” was a popular Ibadan Warlord in Yoruba History. He left Ibadan to fight in the “Kiriji/Ekiti Parapo War (1877 – 1893)” but never returned. The war was a 16-year-old conflict that broke out mainly as a result of the combined forces between Ekiti and Ijesha against Ibadan. Ijebu, Egba, Ife, took sides with Ekiti and the Ijeshas who were under the command of Ogedengbe Agbogungboro as the latter joined forces with the Fulanis to attack Ibadan from her Northern axis.
On November 1, 1878, Ibadan clashed with them and was defeated. This went down in history as the “1878 battle of Ikirun” or “Ogun Jaulimi (Battle of Waterloo). Movie stars Musiliu Dasofunjo, who played the lead role in the classic movie, Oyewole Olowomajuoro, Margaret Oyin–Adejobi, Flora Omowa, and Kunle Busari.
LAKATABU
Set in an ancient Yoruba city, a powerful human turns himself into a fearless warrior, causing people to scamper for safety when he arrives at a place. He uses his powers for criminal activities, threatens the lives of citizens, and his downfall becomes imminent when he kidnaps the daughter of the man who robbed him of power.
It was written and directed by Odunlade Adekola and stars Adebayo ‘Oga Bello’ Salami, Aderinoye Babatunde, Adunni Ade, Akin Lewis, Bolanle Ninalowo, Eniola Ajao, Ibrahim Chatta, Mr Latin, Tope ‘Teddy A’ Adenibuyan, Yomi Fash-Lanso. It was released in cinemas on June 21st, 2024.
BLACK SMITH (ALAGBEDE)
Released on 19th April 2024, starring Femi Adebayo, Kehinde Bankole, Bimbo Oshin, Mr Macaroni, Taiwo Ibikunle, the movie was directed by Usman “Blackky Ogunlade” and produced by Motunrayo Adeoye and Jaiye Kuti.
Here Adio, a poor blacksmith is in love with Omolewa, who’s from the upper class. He struggles to meet up with the high expectations from her mother who threatens to betroth her to a well to do man. Mentally oppressed by the display of wealth during a party by a rich man, he becomes desperate to make it.
With his besty cheering him on, he tows the supernatural alternative, one which comes with a hefty price. He agrees to perform certain daily tasks as instructed by the native doctor. He carries out same and so riches come barging through his doors which of course gets tongues clacking. Accusing fingers of money rituals are pointed in his direction by the community, which threatens everything he holds dear… but Omolewa’s love.
RISE OF IGBINOGUN
Released 6th October 2023, the 1 hour 52 minutes movie was directed by Ideh Chukwuma Innocent, and produced by Tunde Aina and Ideh as well. In the movie, a fearless female warrior leads a band of thieves to steal from the rich and give to the poor. I bet you thought about the legendary English founder of the act, Robin Hood.
Igbinogun believes her destiny is to rescue her people from oppression flowing from the leadership, one which is ably supported by her blind grandmother Ene. Her father, Ogbu, trains her to be stronger than her male counterparts. Interestingly Ogbu was once a fearless and undefeated warrior who the people and the King loved, until matters of the heart popped up, well not in the direction you would think, because he ended up falling for a slave maiden, one who belonged only to the king and the gods.
Back then, he battled against Osage for the title of undefeated champion, which went on for days. His love called on her god, Oluku, to help him.
He won but she was sentenced to death when the secret was blown open. He pleaded that the execution be delayed until she had given birth. She later dies and now Igbinogun seeks to claim the undefeated title and undergoes a sanctification ritual performed by Ene and blessed by her father. She heads to the palace and defeats all competitors, including the prince.
What! Wait! A girl defeated the prince? Well, unable to stomach the defeat, the prince takes his own life, so what becomes of her fate?
Movie stars Akin Lewis, Shaffy Bello, Enyinna Nwigwe, Damilare Kuku, Tina Mba, Ego Nwosu, and Blossom Chukwujekwu.
OUT OF BREATH
Out of Breath connects culture and heritage to unveil a true story set in 1940s colonial Nigeria, about the traumatic plight of “Nna Obioha,” a village elder who defies the horrendous centuries-old custom of sacrificing a servant upon the death of an elder.
Directed by Obi Emelonye and written by Ngozi Ideh, it stars
Kanayo O. Kanayo, Chidi Mokeme, Jide Kene Achufusi, Ebele Okaro, Queen Nwokoye, Obi Okoli, Chineye Ndebe, and Echelon Mbadiwe.
ELESIN OBA: THE KING’S HORSEMAN
The Oba has died and the Elesin Oba (King’s horse man) must perform a ritual suicide in order to join the Oba in the afterlife. This act will ensure that the Oba gains unhindered access into the land of the gods, which will avert any disaster on the village.
Failure by the King’s horseman to carry out the act, will lead to the Oba wandering the earth, with calamity surely warming up to strike the people. This is an age-old practice rooted in their custom and tradition and passed on from generation to generation.
However, Elesin Oba neglects his duty in a bid to satisfy his sexual whims and caprices which results in grave consequences, including the demise of his son in his place.
The 2022 movie, directed by the late Biyi Bandele , is based on Wole Soyinka‘s play of the same name and is touted to be based on a real incident that took place in Yorubaland during British Colonial rule.
It stars Odunlade Adekola , Shaffy Bello, Brymo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, Jide Kosoko, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Langley Kirkwood, Joke Silva, Kevin Ushi, and Jenny Stead.
ASIRI ADE
Directed by Aeoluwa Owu, its narrative about love and politics unfolds as two kingdoms consider a royal union for different motives. There’s a lurking killer, and power struggle at play. It tells the story of a powerful king who is on the verge of forming a marriage alliance with a rich kingdom, searches for an unknown assailant, who is about to expose a dark secret that can bring his empire down
It stars Omowunmi Dada, Mike Folarin, Gabriel Afolayan, Bolanle Ninalowo, Akin Lewis, Fathia Balogun and Lasisi Elenu.
AKUDAAYA
Released on 4th August, 2023, directed by Olamide Akinmolayan, Akudaaya stars Sola Sobowale, Hafiz Oyetoro, Ayokunle Ajisafe, Yomi Fash – lanso, and Bimbo Olaranrewaju.
In the movie, Mama Morenikeji has lost her son whom she loves dearly to the cold hands of death. However, she doesn’t see death as being a final seal and is determined to go all the way to summon Morenikeji from the land of the dead before it’s too late.
On the flip side, Morenikeji has begun to live life as a spirit in another state. He is balling and vibing, enjoying the after-life and has even fallen in love. Baddest guy!
Please don’t ask me whether spirits can fall in love, no be me kuku write the script. Her son is now faced with the dilemma of to be or not to be.
LISABI: THE UPRISING
The 2024 movie directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and produced by Adebimpe Oyebade and Victoria Akujobi stars Lateef Adedimeji, Adebimpe Oyebade, Ibrahim Chatta, Jide Awobona, Eniola Ajao, and Adebowale Adedayo.
It tells the story of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, a farmer who takes on a vengeful stance against the oppressive ruling power of the Alaafin of Oyo (as seen through the actions of Sangodeyi, the ruthless head of the tribute collectors terrorizing the Egba people) sequel to his friend’s death. It was released on 27th September 2024 on Netflix.
LISABI: A LEGEND IS BORN
It is the sequel to Lisabi: The Uprising and tells the story of the birth and rise of the legend Lísàbí Agbongbo-Akala, an 18th century Yoruba hero who is destined to save the Egba people from an oppressive rule.
Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan it stars Lateef Adedimeji, Adebimpe Oyebade, Ibrahim Yekini, Olarotimi Fakunle, Odunlade Adekola, Jide Awobona, Gabriel Afolayan, Ibrahim Chatta, Seun Akindele, Kelvin Ikeduba, Olumide Oworu, Kola Ajeyemi.
HOUSE OF GA’A
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters and written by Tunde Babalola, it tells the story about the rise of a cruel prime minister, Bashorun Gaa, around the 18th century, who, with an insatiable thirst for power, embarks on a callous journey to surpass the Kings he once pledged allegiance to.
It stars Femi Branch, Bimbo Manuel, Stan Nze, Lateef Adedimeji, Mike Afolarin, Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele.
SEVEN DOORS
It was produced by Euphoria 360 in collaboration with Netflix and co-directed by Femi Adebayo, Tope Adebayo, and Adebayo Tijani. The TV series tells the story of Adedunjoye, who has been asked to ascend the throne of Ilara kingdom. He initially declines but later obliges their request, and post-ascension, he is met with challenges and turmoil in the land, leading to the revelation that the opening of seven doors will solve the problems plaguing the land.
It stars Femi Adebayo, Chioma Akpotha, Oga Bello, Jide Kosoko, Gabriel Afolayan, Hafiz Oyetoro, Ronke Odusanya, Muyiwa Ademola
THE MASKED KING
Tells the story of King Ensa, who turns against his subjects, forcing his mother to make a difficult decision either to stand by her son or intervene for the greater good of the people. Tensions escalates and the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance. Directed by Uduak Obong Patrick, it stars Daniel Etim Effiong, Shaffy Bello, Uche Montana, Segun Arinze, Uzor Arukwe, Gideon Okeke, Jude Chukwuka, Bernard Raubenheimer, and Jenny Stead. It was released in cinemas on March 28, 2025.
LABAKE OLODODO
It tells the story of Labake, a bold woman passionate about fighting injustice in the land who is caught in the web of betrayal and political scheming. Movie was produced by Iyabo Ojo and directed by Biodun Stephen, it stars Iyabo Ojo, Femi Adebayo, Faithia Williams, Kunle Afolayan, Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Aigbe, and Mr Macaroni. It was shot in Ibadan, Oyo state and released on March 28th, 2025.
ÌYÁLÓDE
Released in cinemas on 6th June, 2025 the movie explores themes of legacy, resistance, and power through the perspective of a woman who challenges the expectations set by the land. Directed by Adebayo Tijani and co-produced by Toyin Abraham and Kolawole Ajeyemi, it stars Toyin Abraham, Kolawole Jeyemi, Bukky Wright, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Chatta, Peju Ogunmola, and Aisha Lawal.
EKPEBIWO M (I Have Decided)
The faith-based movie draws inspiration from the Christian hymn “I’ve Decided to Follow Jesus ” and is set in a village in pre-colonial Eastern Nigeria. It follows the story of a village chief who turns his back on tradition to embrace Christianity and thus begins his evangelistic journey. However, his decision is met with fierce resistance from his community, thus testing his faith. It stars Chidi Mokeme, Jide Kosoko, Alex Usifo, Chucks Chyke, Ovunda Ihunwo, and Patrick Onyeocha.
Directed and produced by Matthew Ajallys, it hit cinemas on November 8, 2024.
INVASION 1897
It delves into the historical events that culminated in the invasion of the British in 1897 on the ancient Benin Kingdom, which led to the deposition and exile of the Oba. It is told from the POV of a young Benin Prince who has been arrested and put on trial for stealing historical artefacts from a British museum, and he recounts the origin of the artefacts in a bid to defend himself. Produced and directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, it was released on December 21st, 2014 and stars Mike Omoregbe, Paul Obazele, Segun Arinze, Charles Inojie, Rudolph Walker, Idiata Otiagbe.
IREKE: RISE OF THE MAROONS
Directed by Gbolahan Macjob, it stars Bolanle Ninalowo, Tobi Bakre, Fathia Balogun, and Peter Fatomilola. The 96-minute movie tells the story of Prince Atanda, who is betrayed by his blood, sold into slavery, and stripped of his crown and name. He is taken to a Jamaican sugar plantation and later becomes the maroon leader who leads a revolt powered by the Priestess.
To be continued…
Augusta Òkon is a Film adaptation advocate, story teller, Film Critic, lawyer, and author. She has served as member of the screening panel for AMAA, Inshort International Film Festival and Jury member, Lekki International Film Festival.
