Asoju Asa Oodua of Ife, Dotun Taylor, has announced his role in resolving a 30-year conflict between actor Baba Wande and filmmaker Tunde Kelani.
The dispute, which originated from royalty payments for the 1993 film “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile,” has finally been settled.
In a statement released on Saturday, Taylor shared that Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, appointed him to mediate between Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande) and Kelani.
“This historic reconciliation is a testament to the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove Ltd. in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage,” he said.
Dotun Taylor, is currently the head of Aroba Groove Limited, a cultural organisation, was selected due to his dedication to Nigerian culture and arts.
Taylor revealed that he, along with delegates from the Ooni’s palace, visited Kelani in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to finalise the reconciliation.
This effort led to the production of a stage play adaptation of “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile,” titled “Asiyanbi Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.”
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“This historic reconciliation highlights the Ooni of Ife’s dedication to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage,” Taylor remarked. “Aroba Groove Ltd. successfully mediated the reconciliation, resulting in the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI,’ endorsed by the Ooni of Ife.”
“Ti Oluwa Ni Ile,” originally written by Adepoju in 1987 and made into a film by Kelani in 1993, has been adapted for the stage to educate younger generations about Yoruba culture.
“Their actions demonstrate the importance of intergenerational collaboration, ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and values between the old guard and the next generation,” he said.
“By working together, we can avoid misunderstandings and misaligned efforts, ultimately driving progress and development in the entertainment industry.”
Taylor commended the veteran entertainers for their willingness to resolve their longstanding disagreement, emphasising the importance of intergenerational collaboration in the entertainment industry.
