Eleko Oba Esugbayi film retells Lagos colonial resistance, as Jide Kosoko delivers a powerful historical drama with strong box office debut
By Olayinka Akanbi
There are films that entertain, and there are films that reclaim history. With ‘Eleko’ (Oba Esugbayi), veteran Nollywood icon Prince Jide Kosoko steps into the latter territory with unflinching purpose, offering audiences a sweeping retelling of one of Lagos’ most defining historical struggles.
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It explores the true-life resistance of Oba Esugbayi Eleko, the Lagos monarch who challenged British colonial authority in the early 1900s.
From its opening scenes, ‘Eleko’ roots itself firmly in the political pulse of early‑20th‑century Lagos. According to documented events, tensions arose in 1908 when he opposed Governor Walter Egerton’s proposal for a pipe-borne water supply funded by a levy on Lagos residents, and what followed was a cascade of activism, protests, and royal defiance.
The film captures this, drawing directly from history: “The decisive Eleko Affair combined the hidden royal staff of office, the Oluwa land case argued by Macaulay in London, and Macaulay’s public remarks about the scale of Lagos territory ceded in 1861 and unfulfilled compensation terms.”
Kosoko’s storytelling is grounded not only in political history but in cultural memory.
The narrative honours the resilience of Lagos communities, including the significant roles played by “market women resistance led by Alimotu Pelewura” and the nationwide protests that followed the monarch’s exile.
These moments unfold on screen with weight and reverence, embodying the emotional energy of an era shaped by courage and collective resolve.
Behind the camera, Eleko is crafted with the precision of a multi‑generational filmmaking dynasty.
It was produced under the Jide Kosoko Film Presentation banner, directed by Adebayo Tijani, Babatunde Kosoko, and Tunde Olaoye, and backed by the distribution strength of Genesis Pictures.
The veteran’s connection to Eleko may run deeper than professional ambition. As a descendant of the Kosoko royal lineage of Lagos Island, his roots are intertwined with the very history the film brings to life.
This personal heritage likely served as both inspiration and guiding force, allowing him to approach Oba Esugbayi’s story not just as a filmmaker but as a custodian of ancestral legacy.
The cast delivers the gravitas such a story demands.
At its centre is Femi Branch, who portrays Oba Esugbayi with a commanding mix of vulnerability and authority.
Surrounding him is an ensemble of Nollywood talents, including Sola Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Saidi Balogun, Dele Odule, Yinka Quadri, Yemi Solade, Adebayo Salami, Jumoke Odetola, and Broda Shaggi.
The collective experience of these performers breathes authenticity into every scene, reinforcing the film’s mission to honour a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s past.
When Eleko premiered in Lagos, the city responded with overwhelming warmth.
The night sparkled with excitement and loud applause, where Nollywood legends, rising stars and culture enthusiasts gathered for the grand premiere.
And the momentum didn’t end there. Upon nationwide release on March 20, 2026, Eleko achieved a remarkable box‑office debut.
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When box office figures confirm that Eleko (Oba Esugbayi) grossed approximately ₦18.3 million during its opening weekend across cinemas in Nigeria, Kosoko’s gratitude was heartfelt as he wrote on Instagram: “THANK YOU NIGERIA!! A big thank you to everyone that showed us support in the best ways that you could, none of it went unnoticed.”
