A screen adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, Elesin Oba was directed by the late Biyi Bandele, who died in August.
The movie follows the true-life story of a King’s horseman (played by Odunlade Adekola), who, according to tradition, has to lay down his life to ensure the safe passage of the deceased King into the afterlife.
Elesin Oba’s sexual escapades becomes his downfall as he is unable to perform his traditional duties, spelling doom for the people of the land.
The movie which premiered first in Nigerian cinemas on October 28, boasts of a star-studded cast including, Joke Silva, Jide Kosoko, Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlawon, and popular singer, Brymo.
Following the movie’s Netflix release on Friday, Nigerians took to Twitter to laud the actors for bringing the story to life with their outstanding performances.
A tweep, @mercy_milola, wrote, “Shout out to Shaffy Bello and Odunlade Adekola. Elesin Oba is that ancient historical, non -fictional movie you’d greatly enjoy!”
@Fayemi_D said, “I have never been a fan of Odunlade acting. I do see him as an ‘overdo’ actor. But in this Elesin Oba, Odunlade killed the role. Shaffy Bello is not below expectation. Both actors for me are 10/10 in this movie.”
Lawyer, Ridwan Oke, @Ridiwanullahi tweeted, “Shaffy Bello really outdid herself as Iyaloja in #eleshinoba . Odunlade Adekola was amazing too. A very good movie. You should see it!”
Video Jockey and music producer, @iamvjadams simply wrote, “Shaffy Bello x Odunlade ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
“Elesin Oba brought back the feeling you get from stage play. The last time I felt like this while watching a ‘play’ was in performing arts pit OOU. I love that I relived it on an advanced cinematic platform. Shaffy Bello’s line and Brymo’s sounded like I was reading it from the book,” @only1sultan wrote.
@Samsoclock rated the movie eight out of ten for its “magnificent interpretation of an epic plot.”
“Brymo was at the top of his game; his acting and singing were outstanding. In Yoruba movies, Odunlade Adekola is the GOAT. Again, read that. Respect the name of Shaffy Bello. Mama is so good!” the tweep added.
