Lateef Adedimeji Takes on Another Historic Yoruba Story with Kiriji (The Ekiti–Parapo War)

Nollywood actor and producer Abdulateef Adedimeji continues to deepen his imprint on historical storytelling with a new feature film titled Kiriji (The Ekiti–Parapo War). The project, directed by Kayode Kasum, explores one of the most significant conflicts in Yoruba history and aims to bring the story of resilience, unity, and cultural identity to the big screen.

The Kiriji War, also known as the Ekiti–Parapo War, was a defining 19th-century struggle that shaped political and social relations across Yorubaland. By choosing to tell this story, Adedimeji positions the film not just as entertainment but as a cultural record that reconnects modern audiences with an important chapter of Nigerian history.

Production recently gained notable attention when the film set in Ekiti State received a surprise visit from the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji. The visit was warmly received by Adedimeji, his wife Mo Bimpe, as well as the cast and crew. In images shared from the set, the governor was seen engaging with the production team, a gesture that showed official support for the arts and for stories rooted in local history.

Reacting to the visit, Adedimeji described it as deeply honouring and encouraging. He showed the governor’s visible commitment to preserving Ekiti’s heritage through creative expression and noted that such support strengthens the team’s determination to deliver a world-class production. According to him, the film aims to faithfully tell the story of the Ekiti people while showcasing the broader culture and values of the Yoruba nation.

Kiriji is not Adedimeji’s first foray into historical cinema. He previously served as Executive Producer and lead actor on the epic films Lisabi: A Legend Is Born and Lisabi: The Uprising, which brought the story of the revered Yoruba hero Lisabi to life. Both projects reflected his growing passion for culturally grounded narratives, with Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe playing key roles in turning those stories into screen realities.

With Kiriji (The Ekiti–Parapo War), Adedimeji appears to be continuing a deliberate creative path, one that prioritizes history, identity, and storytelling that resonates beyond the screen. While there has been no official announcement regarding a release date, the ongoing production and visible institutional support suggest a project being handled with care and ambition.

As work continues on the film, audiences can expect further updates in the coming months. For now, Kiriji stands as another bold attempt to preserve Yoruba history through cinema and reaffirm Nollywood’s growing role in telling Africa’s most important stories.