Movie review: Eleko – Oba Esugbayi is full of drama, depicts Lagos history

Eleko: Oba Esugbayi takes you back to the early days of Lagos under colonial rule. It highlights the life of one of the city’s kings, Oba Esugbayi, who resisted British oppression to the point of being dethroned.

The movie stars Jide Kosoko, Sola Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Saidi Balogun, Dele Odule, Yinka Quadri, Rotimi Fakunle, Yemi Solade, Alaba Ultimate, Bidemi Kosoko, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Adebayo Salami, Jumoke Odetola, Broda Shaggi, and others.

The film takes us back to the 1900s, showcasing vintage cars and a lifestyle we now only see in photographs. However, some elements in this film are modern. For example, the half shoes worn by the king’s chiefs are exactly what men today would wear with Senator-style clothing. The horses in this film are too emaciated, leaving us wondering when Nollywood will release a movie featuring well-fed horses.

Broda Shaggy

Eleke: Oba Esugbayi is a drama with a touch of comedy, performed by Broda Shaggy, who did not fail to impress, making us all laugh whenever his scenes appeared. Another comedic element was provided by Afeez Aiyetoro, aka Saka, who acted as an interpreter between the British colonialists and the locals.

The film offers a glimpse into the lives of Herbert Macaulay and J.K. Randle as they faced different challenges in shaping modern Lagos. It demonstrates how efforts for progress can be misunderstood and rejected, while opposition to oppression is regarded as anti-progress.

This movie could have been excellent if the picture quality had been used to evoke a sense of peering into the past. Colour grading would have done a great job in establishing that atmosphere. Unfortunately, the picture quality is no different from what Nollywood offered 15 years ago. The costume department did well, and we must commend the makeup artist for the…