Ooni Reunites Tunde Kelani, Baba Wande After Decades of Feud Over Ti Oluwa Ni Ile

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has ended about two decades of feud between legendary actor, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande) and iconic cinematographer, Mr. Tunde Kelani.

P.M.EXPRESS learnt Ooni made the stride through a delegation sent to the duo resulted in a reunion at Kelani’s country home in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

Speaking via a correspondence addressed to the elders and delivered by his Private Secretary, Yusuf Adewale Adetoyese, the revered Monarch described himself as a top fan and admirer of their works while commended the duo for their enduring legacies of evergreen creative content with pure Yoruba language.

The letter read in part, “In my interaction with stakeholders in the industry through Aroba Groove, especially in their plan to adapt the story, “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile”, an epic blockbuster in the early 1990s into a stage drama, I got to know that the fallout between you two around the work has not been resolved. I am not impressed by this and I wish to appeal to you as the Arole Oduduwa to let go of any rancor for peace and progress.”

Ooni Ogunwusi through his Ile Oodua Palace of Ife is currently working with Aroba Groove –an international promotion company headed by Ambassador Alfred Oladotun Taylor– to reproduce the movie into a stage play titled ‘Asiyanbi: Ti Oluwa Ni Ile’.

In their reaction, Baba Wande and Kelani, fondly called TK, agreed that the rancor ensued from the movie (Ti Oluwa Ni Ile) royalty, adding that they have now put it all behind and ready to work together to develop the industry.

“I met Tunde Kelani in Osogbo and grew a working relationship even during our apprenticeship days with our masters. I am happy that Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife picked interest in us,” the legendary actor said.

He added; “Peak of my joy is that of life. I thank the Almighty Allah that none of us is dead despite life experiences. Kelani is my friend and we shall continue to be for the growth of our most cherished industry and Yorubaland as a whole.”

On his part, TK noted that, “To me, this call for peace is more of a reminder that we are being watched and our works are well appreciated especially now by the Oonirisa.

“This is a good signal that our works won’t be buried with us when we grow old and return to our creator, I thank Kabiyesi for this intervention and wish to assure the team working with the Ooni to represent Ti Oluwa Ni Ile my support.”

Ti Oluwa Ni Ile (The Land Belongs to God) is a Nollywood Yoruba drama film released in 1993 through Kelani’s Mainframe Production as written by Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande).

It was made in three (3) parts and listed as one of the best selling Yoruba movies.

Commenting after the joyful meeting, Amb. Taylor explained that he is a son to both Kelani and Adepoju, adding that they have showed enviable leadership which will go down in history as a lesson to everyone in and out of the industry particularly the younger generation.

“There must be a nexus between the old generation and the upcoming so that right message will be passed and stakeholders won’t be working at cross purposes in their quest for development.” Taylor said.