The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, made his acting debut in the movie “Take Me Home,” which was made in Hollywood.
According to reports, the traditional Yoruba king had a unique role befitting his throne as the guardian of Yoruba culture.
Dotun Taylor, a well-known director, explained why he decided to feature the Ooni of Ife in a The Punch interview by saying that the movie was about Yoruba culture.
Taylor claims that the movie’s purpose is to bring back attention to the need to repatriate Yoruba artwork and artifacts that have been dispersed all over the world.
The director of the movie revealed why he decided to shoot a Yoruba movie in the US, claiming that it is the world’s center for filmmaking and that the experience was amazing.
Ooni is the ancestor of all Yorubas, and since this character appears in the tale, we went to the king, he said. He is our father, and by having him in the film, the message is made clearer.
“The purpose of the movie is to refocus attention on the need to repatriate Yoruba artwork and artifacts that are dispersed throughout the globe. The Yoruba people own a variety of properties all throughout the world. Even though they are referred regarded as “art,” they actually contain spiritual energy that are pleading with to be restored to their source.
“Hollywood does not overstate things. It is the center of the global film industry, and the trip was fantastic. It’s an amazing new frontier.
“Once more, this is my history, my identity, and my pride. Before all else, I am a Yoruba man. I also serve as an ambassador for Yoruba culture, so I’m just doing my job.
The movie “Take Me Home” depicts the tale of an American family who are stuck when their daughter wears an African masquerade outfit that was stolen from Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria and becomes possessed (spiritually).
Along with the American actors Dave Sheridan, Amber Rivette, and Felissa Rose, the movie also stars Lateef Adedimeji and Bayo Bankole.