Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham, is earning widespread acclaim for her latest epic drama, Ìyálóde, with early reviews highlighting the film’s gripping plot, strong performances, and notable improvement from her previous works.
In a review shared by film commentator Kelvin Childs Okoroji, the film is described as “a powerful vehicle” that goes beyond the expectations of typical Yoruba epic cinema.
According to Okoroji, Ìyálóde successfully distinguishes itself from recent productions like Jagun Jagun and House of Gaa, offering viewers a fresh take on war, politics, and legacy.
Set in a fictional Yoruba kingdom, Ìyálóde follows two rival sisters, portrayed by Peju Ogunmola and Bukky Wright, each vying for the influential title of Ìyálóde—a chieftaincy reserved for women of power and prestige.
The film’s protagonist, Ashabi Adikaka (played by Toyin Abraham), is the daughter of one of the sisters, exiled at birth but protected by a mystical vow to the earth god Ilẹ̀. Ashabi rises as a fierce warrior, but like many tragic heroes, she faces betrayal and downfall due to a fatal misstep.
Reviewing the film, Okoroji notes, “It’s a relatively simple story centered around politics and war, yet it’s layered with sub-themes like love, betrayal, power, and legacy.”
He particularly praises Abraham’s performance, calling it her “best project to date,” despite moments where her acting might have felt overly dramatic. Her iconic cry, “Ilẹ̀ ooooooooooooo!”, was described as both haunting and powerful.
Other standout performances included Peju Ogunmola, whom the reviewer called “underrated” and “one of the film’s MVPs,” and Bukky Wright, whose rivalry with Ogunmola’s character drove the emotional core of the story. Okoroji also commended Kolawole Ajeyemi for his grounded performance and Ibrahim Chatta for his impactful but brief appearance.
However, not all casting choices were well received. Okoroji criticized Wale Ojo and Kehinde Bankole for underwhelming performances, suggesting that their selection may have been more about star power than suitability for their roles.
“Wale Ojo looked like he was just there to have a good time and leave,” he wrote. “The same goes for Kehinde Bankole. She only truly grabbed my attention when her character chopped off Ashabi’s hands.”
Despite some issues with costume design, the review emphasized that the storytelling and direction were strong. Directors Yinka Laoye and Adebayo Tijani were praised for injecting humor and creativity, especially in action scenes that mixed traditional combat with theatrical flair.
According to Okoroji, Ìyálóde is poised to earn nominations in several award categories, including Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Indigenous Language Film, Best Makeup, Best Costume Design, and possibly Best Directing and Writing.
Beyond its cinematic achievements, the film delivers a sobering message about self-sacrifice and the reality of betrayal. As Okoroji concluded, “Always put yourself first. Because when you fall, the very people you sacrificed everything for may abandon you for someone who simply has more to offer.”
Toyin Abraham, who has faced both criticism and praise in the past, appears to have struck a major chord
Toyin Abraham, who has faced both criticism and praise in the past, appears to have struck a major chord with Ìyálóde, solidifying her status as a force in Nigerian cinema.
