Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has described the ongoing shooting of the epic historical movie “Kiriji War (Ekiti–Parapo War)” as a major boost to tourism development in Ekiti State, saying the project goes beyond historical documentation to strategically project the state’s rich natural tourism and cultural assets to the world.
The Governor stated this on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the movie production sets at various locations in Ado-Ekiti, with significant scenes shot at extensive locations in Odo-Uro, Iyin-Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji said the film provides a global platform to showcase Ekiti’s geography, lush vegetation, eco-tourism assets, cultural heritage and religious tourism sites, noting that the state’s rolling hills, thick forests, rocky landscapes and serene rural settlements offer natural cinematic scenery capable of attracting tourists and creative industry investors.
The Kiriji War, also known as the Ekiti–Parapo War, was a 16-year civil war fought between 1877 and 1893 among Yoruba sub-ethnic kingdoms, 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 touring the film locations, the Governor, who was accompanied by the Nollywood producers and top government officials including the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Director-General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre Director-General, Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso Omotoso and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prince Banji Adelusi, reiterated his administration’s commitment to preserving and properly documenting Ekiti history as a tool for identity, education, development and tourism growth.
While clarifying that the Ekiti State Government did not directly sponsor the film, Oyebanji disclosed that he leveraged the support of friends and associates committed to promoting Ekiti’s history and culture to facilitate and co-sponsor the project.
“Art, culture and tourism are pillars of our administration. A people without history are a lost people. What is being shot here is part of our history, now being documented for future generations. From what I have seen on ground, Ekiti people will be proud when this film is finally released, because we are telling our story ourselves and showcasing our land to the world,” the Governor said.
He commended the Nollywood producers, Lateef Adedimeji and Bimpe Adedimeji, and other stakeholders for their commitment to authenticity, creativity and professionalism, assuring them of continued government support for initiatives that positively project Ekiti’s culture, history and values.
In his remarks, the producer of the Ekiti–Parapo War film, Lateef Adedimeji, said the decision to shoot the movie in Ekiti was to ensure historical accuracy and originality, adding that about 500 actors, including many selected from Ekiti communities, are participating in the production.
Adedimeji described Ekiti’s landscape as peaceful, beautiful and ideal for filmmaking, noting that several scenes were shot across pristine tourism locations in the state, which he said would add visual depth and authenticity to the film.
He expressed confidence that the movie would complement existing historical literature on the Kiriji War, giving audiences the opportunity to see history come alive through film while stimulating interest in visiting the actual locations where the events occurred.
The Kiriji War film, with major locations in Ado-Ekiti and Odo-Uro, Iyin-Ekiti, is expected to further position Ekiti State as an emerging film-induced tourism destination, where history, culture and nature converge.
