Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated the commitment of his administration to preserving and properly documenting Ekiti history, as part of efforts to celebrate the state’s rich heritage and position it as a hub for cultural and creative excellence.
Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance on Monday during an on the spot assessment of the movie production sets of the Ekiti Parapo War film being shot at different locations in Ado Ekiti by Actor and Nollywood Producers Lateef Adedimeji and Bimpe Adedimeji.
The Ekiti–Parapo War, also known as the Kiriji War, was a 16-year civil war fought between 1877 and 1893 among sub-ethnic kingdoms of the Yoruba people, dividing the Western Yoruba—mainly Ibadan and Oyo-speaking groups—and the Eastern Yoruba, including the Ekiti, Ijesa, Ijebu, Yagba and others.
Speaking with journalists shortly after visiting the movie locations across Ado Ekiti, Governor oyebanji, who was accompanied by the Nollywood Producers and other state officials including the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun among other, said his government remains committed to ensuring that Ekiti rich cultural heritage and historical narratives are accurately captured and passed on to future generations, stressing that history remains a critical tools for identity, education and development.
While stressing that the film project was not sponsored by the Ekiti State Government, the Governor said he leveraged on the interest of some of his friends and associates who are committed to promoting Ekiti’s history and culture to facilitate and co-sponsor the project.
Commending the Nollywood Producer, Lateef Adedimeji and all stakeholders involved in the movie project for their commitment to authenticity, creativity and professionalism, the Governor assured that his government would continue to support initiatives that project Ekiti’s history, culture and value positively to the world.
“Art, culture and tourism is one of the pillars of our administration and there is a saying that a people without history is a lost people and part of our history is what is being shot here into a film now and I just came to look at the locations and this has been a big surprise. I don’t know that this kind of massive project is going on here in Ekiti state and I must thank the Adedimejis for a job well-done.
“With what I am seeing here, I am sure that by the time the film is finally released, all Ekiti indigines will be proud of what we are doing, we just want to ensure that while we are here, we write our history by our ourselves”. He stated.
In his remarks, the Producer of the Ekiti Parapo War, Lateef Adedimeji, said that shooting the movie on Ekiti soil, was to bring originality to the 18th century war occurrence, adding that about 500 actors casted for the film, including a good number selected from Ekiti, are currently participating in the making of the film.
Describing Ekiti landscape as peaceful and beautiful for shooting movies, Adedimeji expressed confidence that those who read the historical book will have the advantage of watching the movie as truly reflecting what actually transpired during the war.
Others on the Governor’s entourage were the Director General Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre and Director General Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso.
