The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has successfully mediated and resolved a two-decade-long dispute between two Nollywood veterans, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju, known as Baba Wande, and renowned producer and cinematographer, Mr Tunde Kelani.

The reconciliation occurred on Thursday through a delegation sent to both men at Mr Kelani’s residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

In a letter delivered by his Private Secretary, Yusuf Adewale Adetoyese, Ooni Ogunwusi praised the pair for their significant contributions to Yoruba arts. He expressed his admiration for their work and his disappointment that their conflict, stemming from the movie “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile,” had remained unresolved for so long.

Ooni Ogunwusi highlighted his efforts to adapt “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile” into a stage drama and noted that the longstanding feud was a significant concern. He urged both men to reconcile for the benefit of the industry and Yoruba culture. The letter emphasized the importance of unity and progress.

Through the Ile Oodua Palace of Ife, Ooni Ogunwusi is collaborating with Aroba Groove, an international promotion company led by Ambassador Alfred Oladotun Taylor, to transform the film into a stage play titled ‘Asiyanbi: Ti Oluwa Ni Ile’. This project aims to further celebrate and preserve Yoruba cultural heritage.

Alhaji Kareem Adepoju and Mr Tunde Kelani acknowledged that their dispute originated from issues concerning the royalties of “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.” Both expressed their commitment to moving forward and working together to advance the industry. Baba Wande reflected on their long-standing professional relationship and expressed gratitude for the Ooni’s intervention.

Baba Wande remarked that he and Kelani had built a strong working relationship during their apprenticeship days and expressed joy that they could reconcile while both are still alive. He emphasized their mutual commitment to the growth of the Yoruba film industry and Yoruba culture as a whole.

Mr Tunde Kelani noted that the reconciliation was a reminder of the appreciation and recognition their work receives, particularly from the Oonirisa. He thanked Ooni Ogunwusi for his intervention and assured his support for the upcoming stage adaptation of “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.”

“Ti Oluwa Ni Ile” (The Land Belongs to God), a Yoruba drama film released in 1993 by Mr Kelani’s Mainframe Production, was written by Alhaji Kareem Adepoju. The film, produced in three parts, is considered one of the best-selling Yoruba movies and remains a significant cultural work.

Ambassador Oladotun Taylor, involved in the reconciliation, praised both Kelani and Adepoju as mentors and lauded their leadership in resolving the feud. He highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between the older and younger generations in the industry to ensure cohesive development and the continuation of cultural legacies.

The reconciliation, facilitated by Ooni Ogunwusi, is seen as a significant step towards unity in the Yoruba film industry. It underscores the importance of resolving conflicts for the greater good and the preservation of cultural heritage.