‘Why I Left Manchester To Act Female Ooni’s Role’-Ayobami Ojo Reveals

Ayobami Ojo has revealed her excitement about her role in the movie, Luwo Gbagida.

News Rain Nigeria gathered that the Manchester City-based actress, Ayobami Ojo in a recent interview discussed how the producer of the film, Abiodun Jimoh brought her from the beautiful sophisticated streets of Manchester, England to Osogbo, Nigeria.

‘Why I Left Manchester To Act Female Ooni’s Role’-Ayobami Ojo Reveals

She went further to express her excitement about interpreting the role of Luwo Gbagida, the first and only female Ooni of Ife.

She said: I had to give in my best for the role because I suit his vision for the character he had created.

Ayobami Ojo who is also known as Oyita while appreciating Abiodun Jimoh for the opportunity said: “He is a pure class at what he does. I have seen only very few filmmakers at his level of ingenuity. His ability to forge magnificent stories and create cinematic excellence by sticking to quality without compromise in an industry where such is scarce sets him aside from the multitude. Such is an unyielding drive for quality! Such professionalism! Thank you for your show of utmost faith in my ability to bring the character Luwo to life in the film, Luwo Gbagida.”

The upcoming film also featured leading actors which include, Olaide Almaroof, Saidi Balogun, Akin Lewis, Mercy Aigbe, Aisha Lawal, Anike Ami, Oyin Adegbenro, Omoyemi Olanrewaju, Tosin Olukoti, Promise Durojaiye, Afolakemi Abdulrahem, Olatokunbo Jolaosho, and Oluwatosin Lawal.

Abiodun Jimoh began filming the epic movie in September 2020 in Osogbo, Osun state and has since completed shooting.

Meanwhile, speaking on the choice of Ayobami Ojo in playing the role of Luwo Gbagida, Jimoh said: “Why Oyita? Luwo Gbadida was described as a naturally beautiful woman, finicky, bold, and authoritative. We looked around for an actress who still maintained all the elements that describe a true African beauty. Rich dark skin, dimples, aesthetic dentition, beautiful voice, and majestic strides of walks. A few actresses came to mind but Ayobami Ojo aka Oyita won it for us.”

He also explained that the decision to film and document the life of Ooni Luwo was orchestrated by phenomenal reign after the demise of Ooni Giesi.

He said: “Luwo, the daughter of Otaata from Owode Okeerewe came, saw and conquered as the first and only Ooni of Ife. She contributed immensely to the development of Ile Ife. Her son, Adekola emigrated from Ife to found a new town called Iwo.”

Ayobami Ojo who also combines acting with singing has featured in a good number of movies.