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Veteran actress Peju Ogunmola loses son, colleagues mourn

Veteran Nollywood actress, Peju Ogunmola, has lost her son, Ayomikun Oluwanisola.

The news of his death surfaced on Tuesday, with tributes pouring in from industry colleagues and fans.

Announcing his demise in an Instagram post on Tuesday, actress, Biola Adebayo, described the loss as devastating.

“This is a big loss. This is devastating and heartbreaking. This is tragic. May God almighty comfort Mummy Peju Ogunmola who just lost her only child.

“May God Almighty be with the family and loved ones at this tough time,” she wrote.

Actor, Odunlade Adekola, also mourned in an Instagram post saying, “This is a big loss. God will console you ma …… and the whole family. E le yi po oo.”

Sharing his pain, Kunle Afod commented, “Hmmmm. My heart has been very heavy.”

Actor, Femi Adebayo, also described the loss as one too heavy for words, stating, “Life has written a line too heavy for the stage… Today, we mourn with our dear elder, a thespian whose heart now carries the weight no mother should bear.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you ma. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

Also reacting, actor, Ibrahim Yekini, poluparly known as Itele D Icon prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved actress, writing, “A mother’s pain in losing her child is beyond words. Olorun ma fi ina omo jo gbogbo abiamo.”

“Subuhanalah This is pain! My heart goes to the entire family in this dark hour. May the Almighty strengthen you during this tough time ma,” actor, Adedimeji Lateef, wrote on Instagram.

Actor, Muyiwa Ademola, also wrote, “This is sad! It is such a sad news!! It broke the heart. No accurate words of condolences. The words are not coming. Not even sure if this is right or wrong. Just felt I should do something.

“The only one to console you is God! May the Almighty be with you, Aunty. This is too much to shoulder, too much to bear. It is well.”

Ogunmola is the wife of the veteran actor Sunday Omobolanle also called Papi Luwe or Aluwe, and has featured in numerous Yoruba films spanning decades.

The news of her son’s death comes just weeks before his birthday on October 12. (Punch)

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LISABI (THE UPRISING)

Release Date: 2024
Distributor: Netflix
Producer: Anthill Studios
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Starring: Lateef Adedimeji, Ibrahim Chatta, Adebowale Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Gabriel
Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Peju Ogunmola, Eniola Ajao.
Runtime: 1h47m

Based on the Egba legend about a rebellion led by Lisabi, a traditional Yoruba hero with a
hunger for freedom, the story begins with the invasion of multiple towns under the Egba
Kingdom where residents are forced to pay a tribute or tax to the King (Adekola). Whoever
refuses will be punished or killed by the king’s guards led by Sangodeji (Chatta). Tragedy
unfolds and it is up to Lisabi (Adedimeji) to free his townsmen from the evil mercenaries.

If you ever think of Robin Hood stealing from the poor and giving to the rich, LISABI follows
that direction. It is filled with action, drama, and fantasy. The film is a historical tale of
violence, corruption, friendship and tragedy. The good part is the story which is well
grounded: the camera angles are good as well as the subtitles. The acting from the cast
members is terrific. For someone renowned for dramatic and funny roles, Adedimeji is
impressive as Lisabi. Chatta, in the role of Sangodeji, is reminiscent of Agbako, the master
criminal perfected by the late Charles Olumo. Adekola may have been LISABI’s villainous
king, but Chatta takes the crown (similar to most James Bond villains).

The violent fight scenes could have been better coordinated or choreographed, and the
special effects were less than perfect: an overuse of CGI rather than practical effects added
an unnecessary incredulity to the action. The cinematography is noteworthy however and
brings to mind movies from Hollywood’s Golden Age of Technicolor or Metrocolor.

It is rare to see a movie that is passionate about storytelling without offering a lesson. LISABI
reminds one of Nigerian films and television shows from the 70s and 90s that are filled with
morals and lessons for society today and for future generations.

A sequel to LISABI has also been released. Yet to watch the first instalment? Go stream it.

Opeyemi Ajao

December 31 st , 2024