“Yorubas own Nollywood” – Oga Bello, Ogogo, Iya Awero, others weigh in on controversial debate (VIDEO)

• A crew of seasoned Yoruba and English movie veterans have delved into the rich history, undeniable facts, and enduring legacy of the faction within Nollywood that kickstarted theater production in Nigeria.
• This discourse emerged in response to a lively online debate ignited by Yoruba movie star Aisha Lawal and her colleague Gideon Okeke.
• Their differing opinions on the true founders and initiators of Nollywood set the digital sphere ablaze with discussions.

A tantalizing new video has burst onto the scene, capturing Nigerian movie veterans delving deeply into a comprehensive analysis that brilliantly concludes the debate surrounding the trailblazing faction behind the inception of Nollywood.

In a recent video posted on his Instagram page, Yoruba movie veteran Adebayo Salami, also known as Oga Bello, expressed his thoughts on the notion that actors from the late 1900s classic movie ‘Living in Bondage’ were the pioneers of Nollywood. He found such opinions amusing, as he believes they lack historical knowledge.

Oga Bello went on to elaborate that pioneers such as ‘I Show Pepper’ in Ibadan, Oyin Adejobi and Kola Ogunmola in Oshogbo, and Baba Sala were among the trailblazers who set the stage for theatre production in Nigeria.

In the same video clip, Yoruba movie veteran Taiwo Hassaan, popularly known as Ogogo, added that esteemed dramatists like Kola Ogunmola and Duro Ladipo were responsible for creating some of the earliest theatrical productions that laid the foundation for Nollywood even before television was introduced to Africa.

Lanre Hassan, a veteran actress primarily known for her roles in Yoruba movies and also recognized as Iya Awero, emphasized that the previously mentioned Pioneers paved the way for her and her fellow colleagues in Nollywood.

More Yoruba movie veterans captured in the video, reteirated that their English counterparts followed the path and blueprint laid out by Hubert Ogunde, who they dubbed as the ultimate pioneer of theater production in Nigeria and West Africa.

Nollywood experts, prominent in English-language films, also shared their perspective on the matter and aligned with their Yoruba peers. They highlighted that Hubert Ogunde used vehicles to transport equipment, enabling theater performances and film shoots.

They also mentioned that the initial naming of any movie organization originated from the Yoruba pioneers, called the National Association of Movie Practitioners.

WATCH THEM SPEAK BELOW