I first heard the story of what some cultures in Yoruba call Abobaku. Abobaku translates to someone who dies with the King. The Abobaku is the King's right-hand man, he lives the same luxurious life as the king, eats what the king eats, and travels wherever the king travels. The downside of this life of luxury is when the king dies, the Abobaku is buried alive alongside the king.
Some say this practice has been abolished in contemporary royal monarchies; others say it is still done in secret.
I've always found this practice absurd and was really curious when I heard a movie based on the Abobaku titled Elesin Oba was made.
That curiosity led me to see Elesin Oba. Here is my review:
About The Movie
Elesin Oba; the Yoruba King’s horseman is a movie based on true life events that describe some of the traditional beliefs of the Yoruba culture, especially their perception of life and death.
The Elesin Oba is the King's horseman who must take his own life in order to journey with the King into the afterlife, keep him company, and clear a path for him so he won't wreak havoc on the world.
The movie is said to have taken place in the old Oyo empire. The movie starts with a party, it is then revealed that the party's purpose is to celebrate the King's horseman as he prepares to commit suicide later that night. According to tradition, each time a king dies, he is to be accompanied by his favourite dog, horse, and horseman in the afterlife.
Elesin although had accepted his fate, he is carried away by the world's desires. He is determined to spend his last moments on earth to its fullest. These desires are spiked when he sees a beautiful maiden and requests to marry her, citing the need for him to bear a seed before dying.
Despite being warned by the Iyaloja, he went on to marry the maiden and enjoys a blissful night with his new wife.
Unfortunately, when the time came for him to pass away, his act made him unable to depart on time and he got arrested by a White Provisional officer who felt the culture was barbaric.
His imprisonment prevents him from performing his duty, marking him as a symbol of shame to the villagers and his son.
The Casts
- Odunlade Adekola
- Shaffy Bello
- Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ (Brymo)
- Deyemi Okanlawon
- Omowunmi Dada
- Jide Kosoko
- Kevin Ushi
- Jenny Stead
- Mark Elderkin
- Langley Kirkwood
- Taiwo Ajai-Lycett
- Joke Silva
My Thoughts and Opinion
Honestly, I didn't like the movie that much for the similar reasons I criticised Aníkúlápo. I think the storyline lacked depth.
The ‘Elesin Oba’ reflected Yoruba culture, but they were repetitive. There were moments when it felt the singing would never end.
That being said, I think it's a good movie nonetheless. Ebony's production did a great job in terms of cinematography.
For a film that was adapted from a play, the screenplay is applaudable. The dialogues were also spot on and grounded in Yoruba traditions.
I will rate it a 3/5.
Although it has its shortcomings, it is still a decent film to watch. It explores colonialism, cultural clashes, and duty-above-desire themes.
Have you seen Elesin Oba?
If yes, what are your thoughts on the movie?
If no, you can check it out on Netflix.