By Tomi Falade

Copyright independent

Many times, we try to learn the lessons of history, but because enough details are not available, those lessons are never learnt. It is for this reason that filmmaker and founder of Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, embarked on a biopic-making journey, all to document the lives and lessons of great men and women in Nigeria’s history.

On Sunday, September 21, the king of biopics premiered his latest film, ‘Babalaje’ in the ancient city of Ibadan at The Jagz Hotel, Ibadan, to a dignified audience that included elder statesmen like the former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun.

‘Babalaje’, produced under the umbrella of Oloketuyi’s film production company, Ultimate Communications, has made biopics like ‘The White Lion’, ‘Last Man Standing’, ‘Adedibu’, and ‘Awujale’, with others like ‘Kudirat’ in the pipeline.

‘Babalaje’, a biographical film on the late Chief Michael Koleosho, the Babalaje of Saki, and the former Secretary to the State Government, who died at 86, chronicles Chief Koleosho’s remarkable journey from Saki to becoming a central figure in Oyo State politics, where he played a pivotal role for over four decades before his passing in September 2024.

‘Babalaje’ boasts a stellar cast, including Femi Branch, Joke Muyiwa, Biola Adebayo, Ayo Mogaji, Yemi Sodimu, Mr. Latin, among others.

At the premiere, Chief Oladokun urged filmmakers to use their movies to teach young Nigerians history, as fewer youths are reading books now. The former Deputy Governor who served under Chief Lam Adesina further commended the producers of the project for taking it upon themselves to document such a distinguished politician who lived a good life and whose good works now live after him.

According to the producer, the essence of the biopic is to allow young people to learn from the inspiring lifestyle of Chief Koleosho. “Chief Koleosho was one of the quiet achievers who struggled to ensure that there was real development in Saki and Oyo State as a whole.”

Responding on behalf of the children of late Koleosho, Mrs Yemisi Baiki, the first child of Chief Koleosho, who was in tears after watching the movie described the evening as an emotional one and thanked the producers for the work to immortalise their late dad, who she described as an epitome of grace.

The event was spiced up by a special performance by Oreofe the saxophonist and was attended by politicians, the cast of the film and other showbiz personalities.