Odunlade Adekola’s latest film, “Lakatabu,” is making headlines, grossing an astonishing N94 million in its first week. This film, which was released on June 21, 2024, grabbed spectators by demonstrating Nigerian cinema’s tremendous appeal and innovative storytelling.

According to Nigerian box office records, the film had the third-highest opening in 2024, with over 11,000 theater admissions.

“Lakatabu” began its cinematic voyage with a bang, earning N47 million in its first weekend—a spectacular performance that propelled it to the third-highest opener of 2024 in Nigeria.

From June 21 to June 27, “Lakatabu” was more than simply a film; it was a phenomenon that dominated the Nollywood box office charts. With approximately N65 million in revenues that week, it was the highest-grossing Nollywood film and the second-highest-grossing film in general.

This achievement is especially noteworthy because it follows another Nollywood smash, Bolanle Austen-Peters’ “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,” which led box office sales in May with approximately N47 million and grossed a total of N156.6 million over its five-week run.

What is “Lakatabu” all about?

Set against the backdrop of traditional Yoruba culture, “Lakatabu” tells a compelling story in which Adekola shines as a formidable armed robber endowed with supernatural abilities.His role depicts a frightening world of crime, facing rivals and instilling fear and intrigue in the public.

Adekola’s effect extends far beyond “Lakatabu.” With a career highlighted by blockbusters like “Orisa,” which grossed N127 million, and lauded performances that earned him two AMVCA awards, he remains one of Nollywood’s most marketable performers.

His roles in a variety of productions, like Netflix’s “Elesin Oba,” highlight his versatility and ability to connect with a wide spectrum of people.

The popularity of “Lakatabu” is part of a bigger trend in Yoruba cinema, which is gaining traction both locally and globally.

Films such as Eniola Ajao’s “Ajakaju” and Kayode Kasum’s “Ajosepo” have done well not only at the box office, but also on major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

This move to digital distribution has created new opportunities for Yoruba films to reach a worldwide audience and contribute to the growing story of African cinema.