Presidential Return: Tinubu Arrives for Highly Anticipated MKO Abiola Documentary Premiere, Million-Dollar Production Details Revealed

Filmmaker and Director Ose Oyamendan has revealed that his MKO Abiola documentary, a monumental project aimed at preserving a crucial part of Nigeria’s history, cost over one million dollars and took an extensive 13 years to complete. Speaking in an interview, Oyamendan detailed the rigorous process, which involved extensive research and interviews with individuals who were initially reluctant to discuss the life and times of the late businessman and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

Oyamendan clarified that the multi-million dollar figure solely covered production costs, with additional hundreds of thousands allocated for advertising. The motivation behind such a prolonged and costly endeavor, which began almost casually during film school, evolved into a profound commitment to documenting Nigeria's past, especially at a time when history education was absent in Nigerian schools. He emphasized the importance of understanding national origins to progress, stating, "If you don’t know where you’re coming from, you’re never going to get to wherever you dream you’re going to."

The production encountered significant challenges, including a palpable resistance to the narrative. Oyamendan recounted how some people from that era actively discouraged the telling of the story, with one former Nigerian head of state even questioning his persistence, advising him to let the 'dead' subject lie. This resistance extended to interviewees, who were often reluctant to speak initially or attempted to mislead the production team, creating a complex environment for uncovering the truth.

Despite these hurdles, the documentary promises significant revelations, challenging previously held beliefs about events and personalities. Oyamendan noted that the project unearthed information that altered public narratives of some individuals. He highlighted the difficulty of finding truth in a society where lies often precede facts, explaining their method of presenting facts to allow audiences to discern the truth. Conflicting accounts, such as those concerning the composition of the interim government, were among the surprising discoveries.

A personal turning point renewed Oyamendan's determination to complete the film after years of difficulties and lack of local support. While working on another film in Israel, a call from his nine-year-old son, who was struggling to find information on Nigerian leaders for a school assignment, ignited a renewed resolve to finish the Abiola documentary. This personal motivation, combined with eventual support from a co-producer in Canada, ensured the project's completion.

The documentary is set for a special premiere screening for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 1st at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Creation. Following this, it will officially open in cinemas across Nigeria on October 2nd. President Tinubu's attendance at the premiere is particularly significant, as he specifically chose to fly to Lagos upon his return from a working vacation in Paris, France, "to honour the memory of Chief MKO Abiola, the martyr of Nigeria’s democratic struggle." While in Lagos, President Tinubu is also scheduled to hold strategic meetings in preparation for the 2027 elections.