President of Aroba Groove, an international cultural organisation, Dotun Taylor, has detailed how a long-standing conflict between prominent Yoruba movie actor Kareem Adepoju, also known as Baba Wande, and acclaimed filmmaker Tunde Kilani was resolved.
In a statement released on Saturday in Lagos, Taylor claimed that the 30-year conflict was centred on royalties related to the popular 1993 film “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.”
He highlighted the two seasoned actors’ readiness to set aside their disagreements as an important lesson for the film business and beyond.
He went on to say that the reconciliation will open the door for fresh cooperation and the promotion of Nigerian entertainment and culture internationally.
“Ti Oluwa Nile”, initially written by Adepoju in 1987, was transformed into a three-part movie in 1993 through Kelani’s Mainframe Films and Television Productions.
According to Taylor, the feud between the two veterans had affected the growth of Nollywood in one way or the other.
“Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also told me how great the film ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ is and that’s why he chose me as agent for the reconciliation of the long time feud.
“As the Asoju Asa Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, I played a pivotal role in facilitating the peaceful resolution.
“Delegates from the palace, at the behest of the Ooni of Ife, visited Tunde Kelani at his Abeokuta home to seal the settlement.
“This historic reconciliation is a testament to the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove Ltd. in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage.
“The Aroba Groove successfully mediated the reconciliation which has given birth to the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI’, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.
He claims that ASIYANBI, which is created by Aroba Groove with support from the Ooni of Ife and in partnership with the House of Oduduwa, teaches the younger generation about the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
“By working together, we can avoid misunderstandings and misaligned efforts, ultimately driving progress and development in the entertainment industry.”
Taylor said that the two veterans expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife for his intervention.
According to Taylor, Baba Wande in his remarks during the reconciliation said that Kelani is his bosom friend.
Kelani was also quoted to have said that the peace initiative was a reminder that their work (Ti Oluwa Nile) was appreciated.
Mr Ibitayo Akindeji, the Producer and Project Coordinator of ‘ASIYANBI’, said that Aroba Groove was reviving the classic tale through a groundbreaking stage production, promising a thrilling and innovative theatrical experience.
Akindeji said that the captivating stage play was set to captivate audiences in major cities in Nigeria, UK and USA later this year.
