Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to the preservation and proper documentation of Ekiti history as part of efforts to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage and position it as a centre for cultural and creative excellence.
The Governor gave the assurance on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of movie production sets of the Ekiti Parapo War film currently being shot at different locations in Ado-Ekiti by Nollywood actors and 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 race, involving the Western Yoruba—mainly Ibadan and Oyo-speaking groups—and the Eastern Yoruba, including Ekiti, Ijesa, Ijebu, Yagba and others.
Speaking with journalists after inspecting the film locations, Governor Oyebanji, who was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, and other top government officials, said his administration is determined to ensure that Ekiti’s historical narratives are accurately documented and preserved for future generations. He described history as a vital tool for identity, education and development.
The Governor clarified that the movie project was not directly sponsored by the Ekiti State Government, explaining that he leveraged the support of friends and associates who share a passion for promoting Ekiti history and culture to facilitate and co-sponsor the production.
He commended the producers, Lateef Adedimeji and other stakeholders, for their dedication to authenticity, creativity and professionalism, assuring that the state government would continue to support initiatives that positively project Ekiti’s history, culture and values to the global audience.
Governor Oyebanji said arts, culture and tourism remain one of the major pillars of his administration, noting that a people without history are a lost people. He expressed delight at the scale of the project and confidence that Ekiti people would be proud of the final output when the film is released.
In his remarks, the producer of the Ekiti Parapo War film, Lateef Adedimeji, said the decision to shoot the movie on Ekiti soil was to ensure originality and historical accuracy of the 18th-century war. He disclosed that about 500 actors, including many from Ekiti State, are participating in the production.
Adedimeji described Ekiti as peaceful with a beautiful landscape suitable for movie production, adding that viewers who are familiar with the historical accounts of the war would find the film a true reflection of what transpired.
Other members of the Governor’s entourage included the Director-General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, and the Director-General, Community Communication, Mrs. Mary Oso Omotoso.
This is Ayoba 95.1 FM News.
