Nollywood powerhouse Iyabo Ojo transformed Lagos into a cultural spectacle this weekend as she unveiled her ambitious new film project with an unforgettable premiere that merged cinematic artistry with traditional African aesthetics. The highly anticipated “Labake Olododo: The Warrior Lord” debuted at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX Lekki on March 23, drawing Nigeria’s entertainment elite and setting new standards for film promotion in the industry.
The renowned actress-producer made history with her theatrical entrance, arriving on horseback in full warrior regalia that mirrored her character’s essence in the upcoming epic. Adorned in elaborately beaded dreadlocks and meticulously crafted animal skin garments, Ojo’s dramatic appearance underscored the film’s deep cultural roots and her personal commitment to authenticity in storytelling.
Adding mystique to the already electrifying atmosphere, a white-robed priestess led Ojo’s processional, carrying a white dove while performing traditional incantations. This ceremonial entrance transformed what could have been a conventional film premiere into an immersive cultural experience that captivated attendees and set social media ablaze with commentary.
The creativity and the attention to detail speaks volume. The venue was designed to match with their outfit depicting the traditional houses in the movie,” commented Instagram user @ego__oyibo280, highlighting how the production team had transformed the entire venue to reflect the film’s aesthetic universe.
Fellow cast members accompanied Ojo in similar traditional attire, creating a visual feast that offered guests a glimpse into the film’s world before the first frame even appeared on screen. This coordinated presentation demonstrated the production’s commitment to elevating Nollywood’s international profile through thoughtful artistic choices.
Industry insiders note that “Labake Olododo” represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s growing film sector, which continues to gain recognition for its distinctive storytelling approaches and visual style. The premiere’s success signals confidence in the project, scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on March 28.
The event also showcased the rising influence of Ojo, who has successfully navigated the transition from actress to influential producer-director. Her production company has increasingly focused on projects that blend entertainment value with cultural significance, creating opportunities for both established and emerging talent in Nigeria’s competitive entertainment landscape.
“Nollywood is taking different impressive steps in recent years… and it’s a plus,” noted social media user @babaken_0, reflecting growing audience appreciation for the industry’s evolution beyond its humble beginnings. This sentiment echoes broader critical recognition of Nigerian cinema’s increasing production quality and narrative sophistication.
The premiere has particularly highlighted the mother-daughter success story unfolding between Ojo and her daughter Priscilla, who has carved her own path as an influencer and entrepreneur. Both mother and daughter are winning 
love it for them,” observed Instagram user @sarahinneh, referencing the family’s growing entertainment empire.
Not all reactions have been positive, however. Some social media comments reflected ongoing debates about content priorities in Nigerian cinema. User @kingadehun questioned: “HOW WILL NIGERIA DEVELOP WITH ALL THESE KIND OF MOVIES- NO SINGLE GOOD IMPACT- DEY USE FETISHISM SWEAR FOR UNA,” expressing concern about supernatural themes in contemporary productions.
Others raised economic questions about the timing of such entertainment offerings amid challenging national circumstances. Country wey data cost na Iyn we wan take dey watch film, Abi fuel wey don cost, Abi na light wey no dey, Abi na person wey neva chop bell full won go cinema??” wrote @pronixfavour, highlighting the tension between cultural consumption and daily economic struggles many Nigerians face.
These critiques notwithstanding, industry analysts predict strong box office performance for “Labake Olododo,” pointing to Ojo’s consistent track record and the film’s apparent production values. The premiere’s extravagant execution suggests significant financial backing, reflecting growing investor confidence in Nigerian cinema’s commercial viability.
Behind the scenes, the event also showcased the interconnected nature of Nigeria’s entertainment ecosystem. Instagram user @owambespicey commented: “It was a great honour serving the guest our yummy local meal….thanks so much @iyaboojofespris for having us,” revealing how such premieres create business opportunities across hospitality and service sectors.
The cultural significance of “Labake Olododo” appears particularly resonant at a time when African creative industries are receiving unprecedented global attention. Streaming platforms have increasingly sought content from the continent, creating new distribution channels for projects that might previously have remained regionally confined.
For Ojo personally, the premiere represents a career milestone that cements her status as both performer and creative entrepreneur. Having navigated the industry’s challenging terrain for over two decades, she exemplifies the resilience required for sustained success in Nigerian entertainment.
As “Labake Olododo: The Warrior Lord” prepares for public release, the premiere’s impact continues reverberating through social media and entertainment circles. Many attendees described the event as setting new benchmarks for how Nigerian films should be introduced to audiences.
May it go far more than anyone’s expectations Amin,” wrote Instagram user @bead.plus, capturing the hopeful sentiment surrounding the project’s commercial prospects.
With its strategic blending of traditional cultural elements with contemporary production approaches, “Labake Olododo” appears positioned to continue Nollywood’s evolution as a globally significant film industry with distinct African perspectives. The March 28 release will ultimately determine whether the film’s artistic ambitions translate into commercial success, but the premiere has undoubtedly achieved its goal of generating anticipation and cultural conversation.
