A historical Nollywood film “Eleko” is set for release in cinemas across Nigeria on March 20, its producers have said.
themomentng reports that Prince Jide Kosoko, legendary actor and producer of the film, announced the release date in a post on his verified Instagram page.
The post reads: “When tradition meets resistance, history is written.”
“ELEKO (Oba Esugbayi). In cinemas March 20. A film by Prince Jide Kosoko.”
Eleko tells the story of Oba Esugbayi Eleko, son of Oba Dosunmu, who signed the 1861 treaty ceding Lagos to Britain.
He ascended the throne in 1901 following the death of Oba Oyekan, and his first period of rule (1901-1925) overlapped with growing British administrative control over the colony.
Tensions arose in 1908 when he opposed Governor Walter Egerton’s proposal for a pipe-borne water supply funded by a levy on Lagos residents, stating that existing wells met local needs and that Europeans should cover the costs.
The dispute led to protests involving thousands of people, and the intrigues that followed is what made the movie a theatrical masterpiece.
The plot of Eleko is drawn from these historic events, including the roles of market women leaders such as Alimotu Pelewura and the broader context of early 20th-century colonial Lagos.
Eleko dramatises these events, highlighting the monarch’s resistance, the legal struggle that followed his removal, and his eventual triumph.
The film aims to shed light on an important chapter in Lagos history and celebrate a ruler whose actions became a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.
The star-studded film is co-directed by Adebayo Tijani, Babatunde Kosoko, and Tunde Olaoye, featuring Prince Jide Kosoko, Sola Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Saidi Balogun, Dele Odule, Vinka Quadriand Rotimi Fakunle.
Other cast include Yemi Solade, Alaba Ultimate, Bidemi Kosoko, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Adebayo Salami, Jumoke Odetola and Broda Shaggi, amongst others.
According to the producers, Eleko will premiere on March 14 before its historic cinematic release.
