Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was agog on Saturday, 31st May 2025, as the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, played host to the grand preview and review of the historical epic movie, Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso (A Legacy of Strength). The event, a collaborative effort between Eyestar Films and Music Productions and the renowned Ebunlobirin Foundation, drew a formidable gathering of eminent personalities, traditional rulers, cultural custodians, women leaders, and other distinguished guests from across the country.
The cinematic project, which chronicles the life and legacy of Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso, the first Nigerian female industrialist and iconic matriarch of Egbaland, was celebrated not only as a work of artistic excellence but also as a historic documentation of courage, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of African womanhood.
In his remarks, the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, CON, extolled the initiative of the Ebunlobirin Foundation, describing the film as a powerful cultural testament and a bold stride in the preservation of Yoruba heritage. He praised the Foundation for its vast and ever-growing network of women across Nigeria and commended Hon. Michael Okoya, the principal financier of the Foundation, for his unwavering commitment to women empowerment and legacy-driven initiatives.
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, was ably represented at the event. In his goodwill message, the revered monarch commended the Foundation for its cultural vision and historical sensitivity in bringing to life the story of an illustrious daughter of the soil. He noted that the film is not just a tribute but a cultural mirror for generations yet unborn.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon (Dr.) Olusesan Fagbayi, who was represented, expressed the state government’s support for projects that amplify the state’s cultural essence. He acknowledged the movie as a major milestone in the preservation of indigenous narratives. Similarly, the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, who was represented by Olori Adeola and Savage Olanrewaju Asabi, pledged to mobilise more women to join the Foundation, while applauding the initiative for giving a voice to the silent struggles and strength of many Nigerian women.
Delivering her keynote address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Ebunlobirin Foundation, Queen Anuoluwa Tumininu Okoya, who spoke on behalf of the President, Eminent Hon. Olabisi Kafayat, traced the genesis of the project to 2014, when the Foundation encountered a surge of women facing marital displacement and socio-economic challenges. She said the challenges were not merely domestic but deeply cultural and ideological, prompting the Foundation to embark on a journey of re-orientation, education, and empowerment through storytelling.
Queen Okoya disclosed that the movie, conceived in 2017, took eight years of intense research, scripting, filming, and post-production to complete. According to her, over ₦200 million was invested into the project by dedicated women without any form of government or corporate support. She described the feat as a testament to the strength and unity of Nigerian women committed to rewriting the narrative.
She further announced that the official premiere of the film has been slated for September 2025, to be followed by the launch of a weekly studio programme via Eyestar TV (Live) and Ebunlobirin Foundation (Replay). The programme is designed to address critical issues affecting women, including financial independence, family responsibilities, societal expectations, and self-actualisation.
The film screening was met with a standing ovation as the audience applauded the gripping narrative, compelling acting, and rich cultural aesthetics portrayed in the movie. Many described it as a moving tribute to the legacy of Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso, whose life continues to inspire women across generations.
Present at the event were the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola; notable Egba Chiefs, including Chief Doja Adewolu; and an impressive delegation of the Ebunlobirin Foundation Executives. Others in attendance included the President of the Foundation and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Eminent Hon. Olabisi Kafayat; Eminent Afolasade Adebayo; Eminent Opeyemi Afilaka; Eminent Gifty Chukwuemeka, Chairperson of the Lagos Chapter; Eminent Abimbola Akerele, and a host of other eminent personalities who have continued to champion the cause of women development.
The event climaxed with a resounding call for the continuous support of stakeholders, royal fathers, policymakers, and the general public in ensuring that the sacrifices and legacies of African women are celebrated, preserved, and projected for generations to come.
The evening was anchored with grace and elegance by Ayotunde Olayemi and Oluwadamilola Bankole, who kept the audience engaged throughout the historic ceremony.
