If you enjoyed Saworoide, Tunde Kelani’s political drama Agogo Èèwò, its follow-up offers another opportunity to revisit the fictional kingdom of Jogbo and its battle against corruption. The 2002 classic, written by the late Professor Akinwunmi Isola, is now streaming in a newly remastered presentation on TK ÒPÓMÚLÉRÓ’s YouTube channel.
Set after the fall of military ruler Lagata in Saworoide, Agogo Èèwò explores the struggle to establish a new order in Jogbo. Although the people hope for peace and prosperity, the kingdom’s corrupt chiefs have different plans.
They install Adebosipo, played by the late veteran actor Dejumo Lewis, as king. The chiefs believe his background as a retired police officer will make him easy to control while they continue to exploit the kingdom’s treasury.
However, Adebosipo refuses to become their puppet. Determined to protect the people, he demands accountability from the chiefs, triggering a confrontation over power, corruption and the future of Jogbo.
The film’s central conflict comes to a head during a traditional oath-taking ceremony before the sacred Agogo Èèwò, or Gong of Taboo.
According to the kingdom’s custom, anyone who has stolen from the land must confess before the gong sounds seven times or face the consequences. The ceremony becomes a defining moment in the struggle to expose those responsible for the kingdom’s corruption.
Directed by Kelani and written by Isola, the film builds on the political themes explored in Saworoide, examining leadership, greed and the consequences of abusing public trust.
More than two decades after its original release, Agogo Èèwò remains relevant for its exploration of corruption and traditional systems of accountability. Its remastered presentation also provides an opportunity for younger audiences to discover the film and for longtime viewers to experience the story again.
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