By Seyifunmi Odunuga
Arrangements have been concluded for the notable Nollywood actor, Otunba Akintola Lewis to premiere his new film titled, Oko Iyawo (The Groom).
“Oko-Iyawo” is a comedy movie produced and directed by Otunba Akin Lewis. The story is around Chief Ifaseyi, a married man of many years with two children and living happily with his wife. Not too rich until his girlfriend of so many years decided to marry him as she just won a multi-million naira contract. His wife resisted but finally succumbed to pressure from his friends. Ifaseyi and the new lover got married and lived truly in opulence – money, a new house, cars etc. All was well until Ifaseyi decided to divorce the new wife, then hell broke loose!
The producer, Otunba (Dr) Akintola Akin-Lewis-MA, Fta, Tdq, Phd, started his professional career in theatre in 1973 when he joined Odu Themes, a theatre group led by Prof. Bode Sowande of the then Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan. He later trained at the University of Ife where he obtained a distinction under the tutelage of Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, Sunbo Marinho, Chuck Mike and many others. He also perfected his craft on the Wole Soyinka theatre stage at the University of Ibadan under Dr Zulu Sofola, Bayo Odunneye (Uncle B) and Prof. Bode Sowande.
Akin Lewis bagged an MA in Theatre (Acting and Directing) from Sofia Bulgaria and a PGD in Marketing Communications from the University of Lagos. He was recently awarded Honourary Doctorate degree (HONORS CAUSA) in Politics and Social Human Development by Sancti Pauli Lutheran Institute France.
In recognition of his 49 years of service in the industry, he was conferred with the award of Fellow of Theatre Arts (FTA) by the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP).
Akin Lewis has acted in several stage plays at home and abroad which include BIKO’s INQUEST, WEDLOCK OF THE GODS, THE NIGHT BEFORE, KURUNMI, AND MACBETH.
He later joined NTV Ibadan in 1977 where he further trained as an Actor, Producer and Director. He is renowned for his role in Why Worry, The Lion and Koko Close. He relocated to Lagos and gained worldwide fame for his roles in MNET’s series Tinsel. Hotel Majestic, The Brethren as well as numerous genres of films in the Yoruba language such as Madam Dearest, Alantakun and Were Alaso.
His English language movies include Your Excellency, King of Boys I and II etc. Akin Lewis also excelled in the corporate world where he worked at Directorate levels in Globacom Ltd., Centrespread FCB (Advertising & PR), OMEGA Bank and CMC Connect Ltd. (PR).
He was Rector of Graig Davies College of Technology which offered media studies in Lagos. Akin Lewis served in the ministry as an ordained Evangelist all over Africa. He is a Polyglot and widely travelled at home and abroad.
He is the scion of the house of Abraham Davie Lewis of Owu Egba and later of Olowogbowo Lagos and also of the house of Adedoja Ekolo of Oke-Odo Ibadan.
He is happily married with children.
The Invitational Premiere is scheduled to hold at the prestigious hall of Mauve 21, MKO Abiola Way, Ring Road, Ibadan on the 8th of May, 2022 by 2pm prompt. Red carpet starts by 1pm.
The Chairman of the occasion is Are Onibon of Balogun Ibadan land, Oloye Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke while the Father of the day is Oluwatoyin Agidi. Also expected to be at the occasion are the cream de la cream of the society, movers and shakers in the film industry, royal fathers and a host of others.
The event is expected to be packaged by Apreel1 Events Management.
