When stars turned out in force for Your Excellency preview in Lagos

With just two weeks to go, and eager to talk about their performances in the latest project, the star-studded cast of EbonyLife Films, producer of box-office breaker flicks like Fifty, The Wedding Party and Chief Daddy, turned up the media preview of its new movie, Your Excellency, a social-media-driven political comedy.

Written by Yinka Ogun, the political satire tells the story of a billionaire businessman and failed presidential candidate, who becomes a credible contender – all through the power of social media. As the drama unfolds, it seems possible that even a perpetual loser, written off by everyone, can pose a serious challenge for the presidency.

The comic flick, which has the directional imprint of Nollywood’s queen of comedy, Funke Akindele-Bello, shows the importance love and loyalty play in facing life’s challenges.

As expected, there was huge interest in how the actress of Jenifa’s Dairy managed to both direct and star in the project, especially as it is her directorial debut.

The movie features Akin Lewis as Chief Olalekan Ajadi, Funke Akindele-Bello as his wife, Kemi, and some of Nollywood’s popular actors, including Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Shaffy Bello, Kunle Coker, Ekun Edewor, and Emmanuel ‘EmmaOMG’ Edunjobi.

Others are Alexx Ekubo, Oreka Godis, Osas Ighodaro, Mike Iheuwa, Aletile ‘Seyi Law’ Lawrence, Bimbo Manuel, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ini Dima-Okojie, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Helen Paul and Toni Tones.

Also, there is a cameo appearance from multi-award winning singer, Folarin Falz Falana, as he reprises his ‘AK Famzy’ role from last year’s mega-hit, Chief Daddy.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Producer Mo Abudu said, “Every Christmas, we aim to deliver a feel-good, family movie for our viewers, and Your Excellency is no exception. This time, we have Nigeria’s funniest woman as both lead actor and first-time director, and she delivers on both counts.With just two weeks to go, this trailer has proven that the audience is in for a treat. I can’t wait for everyone to see the entire film.”

“We are so appreciative of the wonderful media support and the attendance of all our actors; especially as they all have such busy schedules. Also, I’m grateful to our sponsors, Guinness Gold, Bollinger and Coca-Cola, for making this such a special occasion for all our guests,” she added.

Commenting on her role as director, Akindele-Bello said, “Your Excellency already had a great script by Yinka Ogun, a wonderful cast and experienced producers. So all I had to do was provide a guiding hand and make sure we keep the audience entertained from beginning to end.”

“As the release draws closer, it’s great to feel the excitement building within the audience. The trailer shows how much fun we had making the film, and how much joy and laughter we want to spread this holiday season,” she added.

On his part, Lewis said the movie mirror the nation polity. “The movie is a poke fun at Nigerian politics and society at large. I’m 60 now, and our politics has remained the same over the years. I try to bring to fore the character of three known politicians in the country. I’m sure that when the audience watch it they will easily known the politicians,” he said.

With the official trailer released on Friday, November 8, on YouTube, the movie is schedule to be in the cinema from December 13.