By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Fathia Balogun has reunited with her former husband, veteran actor Saidi Balogun, in a forthcoming historical biopic on the life of Efunroye Tinubu, one of the most influential female figures in Yoruba history.
The collaboration comes as Fathia Balogun confirms the completion of filming on the highly anticipated project, nearly one year after she first announced plans to bring the story of the 19th-century businesswoman and political leader to the big screen. A recently released trailer has already sparked excitement among movie lovers and industry watchers.
Fathia Balogun celebrated her ex-husband on his birthday describing him as her “Efunroye King,” signaling a probable reunion between the former couple. The development has drawn attention within Nollywood, given their past marriage issues and longstanding contributions to the Yoruba film industry.
Earlier last year, BlackBox Nigeria reported that despite their differences, the two ex-couples meet to celebrate son’s academic feat, ranking first class in creative arts during convocation in UNILAG.
The announcement also coincided with the birthdays of both actors as Saheed Balogun was born on February 5, 1967. Fathia Balogun was born on February 5, 1969.
This is a moment fans have described as symbolic, with many viewing the film’s completion as a special gift to Nollywood audiences.
The Efunroye Tinubu biopic directed by award winning nollywood director Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo, Abiodun Olarenwaju, is expected to explore themes of power, commerce and female leadership in pre-colonial Yorubaland, adding to the growing body of indigenous historical narratives in Nigerian cinema.
With production now completed, the filmmakers are planning to unveil the official cinema release date on. May 1st.
