Okediran announces ‘Madagali’ film project as ‘Tenants of the House’ captivates audiences in Parakou

By Editor

A major highlight of the recently concluded 3rd African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF ’26) was the special screening of Tenants of the House, produced by writer and culture administrator, Dr. Wale Okediran and directed by Kunle Afolayan. The film received an enthusiastic reception from festival delegates, filmmakers, students, and cinema enthusiasts in Parakou, Benin Republic, further cementing its status as one of Nigeria’s most compelling political dramas.

Adapted from Okediran’s acclaimed novel of same title, Tenants of the House offers a gripping exploration of politics, power, integrity, ethnicity, and love within the framework of Nigeria’s democratic system. Written by renowned screenwriter Tunde Babalola, the film blends suspense, emotion, and social commentary in a manner that resonates well beyond Nigeria’s borders.

From its opening scenes, the film immerses audiences in the complex journey of Hon. Samuel Bakura, an idealistic young legislator whose political convictions are continually tested by ambition, compromise, and the realities of governance. His interactions with Hon. Elizabeth Bello reveal the intricate dynamics of political negotiation and legislative power-play.

Beyond its political narrative, the film reaches an emotional depth through Samuel’s relationship with Batejo, a Fulani woman whose love challenges ethnic boundaries and cultural expectations. The memorable Sharo (Fulani flogging) initiation sequence serves as a powerful metaphor for sacrifice, resilience, and the cost of unity in a divided society.

The screening at AILFF’26 held particular significance, as the festival is dedicated to celebrating indigenous languages and authentic African storytelling. The film’s seamless integration of Hausa and English enhances its cultural authenticity and underscores the importance of preserving African identity through cinema.

Okediran was commended for producing a film that boldly examines political leadership, governance, and national unity while maintaining strong emotional resonance. Director Afolayan brings his signature visual sophistication and narrative precision to the project, resulting in a work that is both engaging and intellectually compelling.

Adding to the momentum surrounding the screening, Okediran announced that he is actively seeking investors, co-producers, strategic partners, and distributors for his upcoming feature film that will be adaptated from his new book, Madagali.

Madagali was taken on a UK reading tour by the author in December 2025.

The project is expected to continue his tradition of delivering socially relevant, commercially viable, and globally appealing African stories. Industry stakeholders are invited to engage with the veteran producer as Madagali enters its development phase.

In another significant milestone, Tenants of the House is now streaming on the U.S.-based platform, WildHorse TV, thus expanding its reach to audiences across the diaspora and internationally. The film is available for viewing at: “https://www.wildhorsetv.com/the-tenant-of-the-house” (https://www.wildhorsetv.com/the-tenant-of-the-house).

The successful screening of Tenants of the House at AILFF’26 once again highlights the growing importance of African film festivals in promoting indigenous storytelling, fostering meaningful dialogue, and connecting filmmakers with new audiences, distributors, investors, and industry opportunities across the continent.

Tenants of the House is more than a political thriller; it is a thoughtful examination of leadership, conscience, ethnicity, and democracy, presented through a deeply engaging narrative. It stands as another notable achievement for producer Okediran, the director Afolayan, the screenwriter Babalola, and the entire cast and crew.

As African cinema continues to gain global recognition, films such as Tenants of the House demonstrate that authentic African stories, rooted in local cultures and languages, possess universal appeal and lasting relevance. The announcement of Madagali further signals an exciting new chapter in Okediran’s filmmaking journey and presents investors with an opportunity to participate in a major African cinematic production from inception.

Dr. Wale Okediran