Lisabi was trained by his father and showed great courage in battles against neighboring tribes. He became prominent in the 1770s-1780s and led the Egba people to victory against the Dahomey Empire.
Through his leadership, Lisabi united the warring Egba groups, making Abeokuta their capital city. He protected Egba land from outsiders, encouraged trade and farming, and created a sense of identity among the Egba people.
Lisabi is remembered as the founder of modern Abeokuta. His life and achievements are recorded in Nigerian and Yoruba history books and passed down through oral traditions.
Today, Lisabi is celebrated in Yoruba stories and cultural festivals. A monument, the Lisabi Memorial, honors him in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and the Lisabi Festival is held annually in his honor.
Telling the story of the life and legacy of the fabled Yoruba hero Lisabi, whose life made a lasting impression in Nigerian history, popular Nollywood actor, Abdullateef Adedimeji, delves into the life and legacy of the revered Yoruba hero Lisabi, with his recent Netflix Title: LISABI THE UPRISING.
The movie is a monumental addition to the growing slate of Nigerian historical dramas.
Lisabi The Uprising narrates the story of an 18th-century Egba farmer who courageously led a rebellion against the powerful and oppressive Oyo Empire.
The film portrays Lisabi as a figure of defiance whose leadership ultimately resulted in the defeat of over 6,000 Oyo soldiers, securing independence for the Egba people after years of subjugation. His story is a testament to Yoruba resilience and marks a pivotal moment in the region’s history.
The biopic is structured in two parts: Lisabi The Uprising, with its sequel, Lisabi: A Legend is Born, slated for release in January 2025. The first part focuses on Lisabi’s rise as a leader and the initial sparks of rebellion, while the sequel will explore the aftermath of his victory and the enduring impact of his legacy on Yoruba history.
Lisabi The Uprising features a formidable cast of Nollywood’s finest, including Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Itele Yekini, Ibrahim Chattah, and Mo Bimpe, Eniola Ajao, Liquorose Afije, alongside Lateef Adedimeji himself.
The film is a collaboration between Al Notions Studios and Anthill Studios, written by Niyi Akinmolayan and Yinka Olaoye and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, known for his ability to bring Nigerian stories to life with vivid detail and emotional depth.
The film is expected to set new standards in the portrayal of African historical epics. This is another epic film slated to join Nollywood’s impressive epic filmography.
The addition of Lisabi: The Uprising to Netflix’s Yoruba-language lineup, alongside titles like Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun, Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo: The Rise of The Spectre, and Bolanle Austen-Peters’ House of Ga’a, signals a powerful shift towards epic storytelling in Nigerian cinema.