The highly anticipated Yoruba epic film, “Ewo,” officially premieres in cinemas across Nigeria today, July 18, 2025, promising to deliver a captivating blend of tradition, suspense, and top-notch storytelling. The movie, directed by award-winning filmmaker Ekene Som Mekwunye, has already generated massive buzz within the Nollywood industry and among Yoruba culture enthusiasts.

“Ewo” is a remarkable cross-cultural collaboration co-produced by Nollywood veterans Saidi Balogun and Fulfilment Fuchi Nwaturuocha. The film celebrates Yoruba heritage while weaving a universal story of love, betrayal, and power struggles. Industry insiders have described it as “one of the most culturally authentic Yoruba epics of the decade.”

The movie’s release is seen as a bold step towards reviving indigenous Nigerian films in mainstream cinema, with Mekwunye emphasizing the importance of telling authentic African stories through rich cinematography and relatable characters.



“Ewo” features a lineup of seasoned actors, including:

Saidi Balogun – playing a revered Yoruba warrior chief

Bimbo Ademoye – as a strong-willed village maiden caught in a web of intrigue

Odunlade Adekola – delivering yet another powerful performance as a conflicted prince

Jaiye Kuti – in a dramatic role that showcases Yoruba traditional leadership customs


Critics who attended the private pre-screening praised the film’s costume design, language authenticity, and traditional music, noting that it offers an immersive Yoruba cultural experience while appealing to a wider Nigerian and African audience.

Apart from its cultural relevance, “Ewo” also tackles themes of morality, power, and family loyalty, making it relatable beyond Yoruba-speaking audiences. Its visually stunning scenes, shot in historic Yoruba towns, highlight the richness of traditional architecture and landscapes.

Director Mekwunye, known for his commitment to high-quality production, said in an interview:
“With ‘Ewo,’ we wanted to create a film that not only entertains but also preserves Yoruba history and values for future generations. This is more than a movie; it’s cultural preservation.”



With growing anticipation, industry analysts predict “Ewo” could dominate Nigerian box offices in its opening weekend, possibly rivaling recent hits like “Jagun Jagun” and “Anikulapo.” Cinema chains across Lagos, Ibadan, and Abeokuta have reported strong pre-booking sales, indicating a high turnout of Yoruba movie lovers.