Oyebanji Reaffirms Commitment to Preserving and Documenting Ekiti History
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the determination of his administration to preserve, document, and promote the rich history of Ekiti State as part of broader efforts to strengthen cultural identity and position the state as a centre for creative and cultural excellence.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of movie production sets for a historical film on the Ekiti Parapo War, also known as the Kiriji War. The film, which is being shot at various locations across Ado Ekiti, is produced by Nollywood actors and filmmakers, Lateef Adedimeji and Bimpe Adedimeji.
The Ekiti Parapo War was a prolonged civil conflict that lasted for about 16 years, from 1877 to 1893, among several Yoruba sub-ethnic kingdoms. The war largely pitted Western Yoruba groups, notably Ibadan and Oyo-speaking communities, against Eastern Yoruba groups such as the Ekiti, Ijesa, Ijebu, Yagba, and others. The conflict is widely regarded as a defining moment in Yoruba history and played a significant role in shaping regional alliances, identity, and political structures in present-day southwestern Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the film locations, Governor Oyebanji said his administration places high value on history as a foundation for societal development. He noted that preserving historical narratives is essential for helping present and future generations understand their roots and appreciate the struggles and achievements that shaped their society.
The governor, who was accompanied by several state officials including the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, and the Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, clarified that the Ekiti State Government did not directly sponsor the film project. However, he explained that he facilitated and co-supported the initiative by leveraging the interest of friends and associates who share a commitment to promoting Ekiti’s cultural heritage and historical legacy.
According to Oyebanji, initiatives such as historical films play a crucial role in ensuring that the state’s stories are told accurately and authentically by its own people, rather than being lost or misrepresented over time. He stressed that documenting history through creative platforms such as film makes it more accessible, especially to younger generations who may not engage deeply with traditional historical texts.
“Art, culture, and tourism are key pillars of our administration,” the governor said. “There is a popular saying that a people without history are a lost people. What we are witnessing here is history being documented in a creative form. I came to inspect the locations and was pleasantly surprised by the scale and quality of this project taking place in Ekiti State.”
He commended the producers and the entire production team for their commitment to authenticity, creativity, and professionalism, adding that the government would continue to encourage projects that project Ekiti’s values, culture, and history positively to national and international audiences.
Governor Oyebanji further expressed confidence that the completed film would instil pride among Ekiti indigenes and contribute to a deeper understanding of the state’s historical journey. He noted that documenting history from a local perspective is crucial in ensuring accuracy and preserving cultural integrity.
In his remarks, the film’s producer, Lateef Adedimeji, explained that the decision to shoot the movie in Ekiti was deliberate, aimed at achieving historical accuracy and visual authenticity. He disclosed that about 500 actors are involved in the project, including a significant number drawn from Ekiti State, thereby providing opportunities for local participation and talent development.
Adedimeji described Ekiti’s natural landscape as peaceful, scenic, and well-suited for historical filmmaking. He expressed confidence that the film would serve as a valuable visual companion to historical literature on the Ekiti Parapo War, offering audiences a clearer understanding of the events and their significance.
Other members of the governor’s entourage during the inspection included the Director General of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, and the Director General of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso.
The visit underscored the state government’s broader cultural agenda, which seeks to use history, arts, and tourism as tools for education, unity, and sustainable development, while ensuring that Ekiti’s historical narratives are preserved and passed on with accuracy and pride.