The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has ended about two decades of feud between legendary actor, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande) and legendary producer/cinematographer, Mr. Tunde Kelani.
Ooni Ogunwusi made the stride on Thursday, through a delegation to the duo which held at Mr. Tunde Kelani’s country home in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
Addressing the elders through a correspondence delivered by his Private Secretary, Yusuf Adewale Adetoyese, Ooni Ogunwusi who commended the duo for their enduring legacies of evergreen creative contents with pure Yoruba language, described himself as a top fan and admirer their works.
The letter read in part, “In my interaction with stakeholders in the industry through Aroba Groove especially to adapt the story; “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile”, an epic blockbuster in the early 90s into a stage drama, I got to know that the fallout between you two around the work has not been resolved. I am not impressed by this and I wish to appeal to you as the Arole Oduduwa to let go of any rancor for peace and progress.”
Ooni Ogunwusi through his Ile Oodua Palace of Ife is currently working with Aroba Groove; an international promotion company headed by Ambassador Alfred Oladotun Taylor, to reproduce the movie into a stage play titled ‘Asiyanbi: Ti Oluwa Ni Ile’.
In their reaction, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju and Mr. Tunde Kelani agreed that the rancor ensued from the movie (Ti Oluwa Ni Ile) royalty, adding that they have now put it all behind and ready to work together to develop the industry.
“I met Tunde Kelani in Osogbo and grew a working relationship even during our apprenticeship days with our masters. I am happy that the Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife picked interest in us.
Peak of my joy is that of life, I thank the Almighty Allah that none of us is dead despite life experiences. Kelani is my friend and we shall continue to be for the growth of our most cherished industry and Yorubaland as a whole.” Baba Wande said.
Mr. Tunde Kelani noted that, “To me, this call for peace is more of a reminder that we are being watched and our works are well appreciated especially now by the Oonirisa.
This is a good signal that our works won’t be buried with us when we grow old and return to our creator, I thank Kabiyesi for this intervention and wish to assure the team working with the Ooni to represent Ti Oluwa Ni Ile of my full support.”
Commenting after the joyful meeting, Amb. Oladotun Taylor explained that he is a son to both Kelani and Adepoju, adding that they (Baba Wande & Kelani) have showed enviable leadership which will go down in history as a lesson to everyone in and out of the industry particularly the younger generation.
“There must be a nexus between the old generation and the upcoming so that right message will be passed and stakeholders won’t be working at cross purposes in their quest for development.” Amb. Taylor said.
Ti Oluwa Ni Ile (The Land Belongs to God) is a Nollywood Yoruba drama film released in 1993 through Mr. Tunde Kelani’s Mainframe Production as written by Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande). It was made in three (3) parts and listed as one of the best selling Yoruba movies.
