The excitement is building as Aroba Groove’s highly anticipated stage adaptation of the film Ti Oluwa Ni Ile gears up for its grand debut. Titled Asiyanbi Ti Oluwa Ni Ile, this captivating theatrical event is set to open at Terra Kulture in Lagos from October 4th-6th 2024. Following the Lagos event, the play will tour Oyo from October 18th-20th and Osun from October 25th-27th, Then international stages in the UK, USA, Maryland, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean.

This is not just another theatre production; Asiyanbi Ti Oluwa Ni Ile represents a grand celebration of Nigerian culture and creativity. Described by the Aroba Groove team as a “Wholesome Entertainment Experience,” the play promises to offer audiences a vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity. Dotun Taylor, CEO of Aroba Groove, shares, “We’re not just putting on a show; we’re reviving our cultural heritage and celebrating the rich tapestry of our past with a fresh, exhilarating twist. This is an invitation to join us in an unforgettable journey through the heart of Nigerian tradition.”

Adding to its cultural significance, Asiyanbi Ti Oluwa Ni Ile has received the endorsement and partnership of the Ooni of Ife, Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, further emphasizing the production’s authenticity and importance.

The stage adaptation features an impressive cast of Nigeria’s most celebrated talents, including the legendary Baba Wande, Yomi Fash Lanso, Aisha Lawal, Jude Chukwuka YAW, Dele Omo Woli, Lekan Agba Inaki, Jigan Baba Oja, Baba Alariya, Yemi Elesho, Ozain, Mummy G.O, and Iya Mufu. Their collective talents promise to deliver a performance that is both deeply engaging and visually stunning, ensuring an unforgettable experience for theatre goers.

Project Coordinator and Producer Mr. Akindeji Ibitayo emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating Asiyanbi Ti Oluwa Ni Ile: “We’ve spared no effort in crafting a production that showcases our cultural richness. Every element, from technical design to set and lighting, has been thoughtfully executed to offer a mesmerizing and immersive experience.” This commitment to excellence is set to redefine Nigerian theatre standards, making Asiyanbi Ti Oluwa Ni Ile a must-see event for those who appreciate high-quality, culturally resonant performances.

Originally penned by the esteemed Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Ti Oluwa Ni Ile explores the comedic and intricate world of land transactions in Nigeria. The film adaptation, a 1993 blockbuster hit produced by Mainframe Productions and directed by Tunde Kelani, now finds a vibrant new life on stage through Aroba Groove’s creative adaptation.

Since its announcement, Asiyanbi has generated significant buzz among fans of the original film and theatre enthusiasts. This stage adaptation is not merely a revival but a dynamic celebration of artistic excellence and cultural pride.

For more information about this landmark theatrical event, visit www.asiyanbi.com

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a statement calling for the ban of an upcoming movie featuring Nancy Isime and other actresses wearing the Niqab, a traditional Islamic full-body covering, and wielding dangerous weapons.

The group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the movie as “satanic” and alleged that it portrays Muslim women in a negative light, depicting them as criminals and inciting hatred against them.

MURIC is urging authorities to take action to prevent the release of the movie, citing concerns that it could perpetuate harmful stereotypes and promote intolerance.

The statement read, “An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry. The upcoming film, which was recently unveiled by Nancy Isime, shows women in purdah brandishing dangerous weapons and robbing banks. It is Islamophobia taken to the highest level. This film is satanic, repugnant, and provocative.

“It is aimed at portraying Muslim women as criminals with a violent proclivity. The film is capable of inciting the public against Muslim women. It may also expose Muslims in general to public ridicule and opprobrium.

“We believe that the film is the handiwork of Muslim-haters and part of the plot to stop Muslim women from wearing hijab and niqab. The plot was hatched a long time ago, and its execution began in the schools. This plot was boldly and diligently confronted in Nigerian courts by Muslims until the highest court in the land made a pronouncement on it. This Satanic film is the latest effort in the war against hijab.

Akintola maintained that the film is capable of setting Nigeria on fire if urgent action is not taken by the relevant authorities while urging the National Film and Video Censors Board to investigate and place an immediate ban on the coming film.

“To Nigerian Muslims who have inundated our communication channels with video clips, voice notes, and other types of messages, we have this to say: please remain calm and peaceful. You have spoken loud and clear.

“We have received your messages and action is being taken right now. Our religion brought a message of hope and peace to the world. We will not allow anyone to paint our women, our mothers, our wives, our daughters and sisters in the colours of Shaytan. Be good ambassadors of Islam. Don’t take the law into your hands. Allow the authorities to take necessary action,” he added.

Recall that Isime had sparked outrage among the Muslim community in the country after unveiling a movie poster that features women wearing hijab and face veils holding guns in a bank robbery scene.

They have threatened to file a complaint with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, seeking action against the account responsible for sharing what they described as “Islamophobic content”.

Reacting, one Latifat Adewunmi Jumah, with a Facebook page named Laj Fingers, expressed her dissatisfaction over the offensive posts, saying, “The niqab/hijab is not an armed robbery attire! The niqab/hijab is not an attire for concealing identity.

She queried the actress, saying, “If you needed to conceal your identity for a perfect robbery role, you could have used a nose mask or worn a mask. Why wear Islamic attire?”

“I find this offensive. Something needs to be done to stop this people. Niqab/Hijab is not a costume, neither is it a joke,” she added.

Another Facebook user, who identified as Alfa Shehu, commented, “And one of our brothers from Ilorin is kuku in the movie with them. Hypocrites! It is these same people who will turn around tomorrow and say women in Niqab are doing this and doing that. Awon alarun opolo gbogbo. Anything for clouts and monetisation.”

The family of late singer Mohbad (born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba) has ordered a second toxicology test to uncover the truth behind his mysterious death on September 12.

Following his burial the next day, Mohbad’s body was exhumed on September 21 for an autopsy, which was conducted on the same day.

However, in May, it was revealed that the pathologist conducting the autopsy informed the coroner that Mohbad’s body had decomposed by the time the test was performed, potentially compromising the results.

The new toxicology test aims to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death.

The pathologist also said the cause of the singer’s death could not be ascertained.

Mohbad’s autopsy result from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) showed that “no significant gross finding” could be attributed to the singer’s death.

The toxicology “revealed the positive finding of Diphenhydramine, an anti-histamine; however, this concentration was not in a fatal or lethal range”.

Last month, the Aloba family rejected the autopsy result while also demanding an independent post-mortem and toxicology test.

In a statement on Tuesday, Monisola Odumosu, a member of Aloba’s legal team, said a two-part autopsy is being conducted on Mohbad.

She disclosed that the first phase had been carried out last week while the second part involved “a toxicology and histology test”.

The lawyer added that the procedure was witnessed by Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, and a pathologist representing Wunmi, the late singer’s wife.

“The second autopsy as requested by the Aloba family and ordered by the Magistrate of the Coroner Court, Ms. T.A. Shotobi, was conducted on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, 2024. This autopsy is a two-part exercise, with the first part now completed,” the statement reads in part.

“If the cause of death cannot be determined from this initial examination, the second part will proceed, involving a toxicology and histology test on the necessary samples already obtained.

“This comprehensive procedure, conducted last Friday, was witnessed only by Mr. Joseph Aloba, the forensic pathologist appointed by Mr. Joseph Aloba and his team, legal representatives of both Mr. Joseph Aloba and  a pathologist appointed by Wunmi Aloba to observe the procedure.”