Lateef Adedimeji Stars as Wole Soyinka in Upcoming Biopic “Wole Soyinka – Eni Ogun’

The upcoming biopic “Wole Soyinka – Eni Ogun” will bring the story of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka to Nigerian cinemas on November 29.

Directed by Joshua Ojo, the film examines key moments in Soyinka’s life, capturing his resilience, activism, and contributions to Nigerian culture. Lateef Adedimeji leads the cast as Soyinka, joined by Nollywood figures Segun Arinze, Bimbo Oshin, Jide Kosoko, and Ibrahim Chatta.

Filmmaker Joshua Ojo spent over a year on research and production for “Wole Soyinka – Eni Ogun”, aiming to offer a balanced portrait of Soyinka’s complex life.

The film incorporates archival footage and recreated historical scenes, such as his time at Kirikiri Prison, to deepen viewers’ understanding of his journey. Recently, “Eni Ogun” won the Jury Award for Best Biopic at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, a nod to its attention to detail and narrative depth.

In an  exclusive interview nterview with The Nollywood Reporter, Ojo spoke about his intentions for the film, particularly its educational value for younger audiences unfamiliar with Soyinka’s legacy. “Telling his untold story will enlighten both the old and new generations,” Ojo noted. He hopes the film will provide a broader context for Soyinka’s accomplishments beyond literature.

Distributed by Genesis Cinemas, “Wole Soyinka – Eni Ogun” brings together a cast including Femi Branch, Dele Odule, Joke Muyiwa, Saeed Mohammed (Funky Mallam), and Oyetoro Hafiz (Saka).

With the release date approaching, the film adds to Nigerian cinema’s recent focus on historical and cultural figures, aiming to connect audiences with Soyinka’s impact.

Check out the trailer here