Ololade Adeyanju/
The Ebunlobirin Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has released a documentary film titled Legacy of Strength, chronicling the life, philanthropic work, and legacy of the late Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso, the third Iyalode of Egbaland.
The grand preview and review of the film took place on Saturday at the Hubert Ogunde Hall, within the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso—only surviving son of the late matriarch—attended the event in the company of his three queens, other members of the Tejuoso family, and Oke-Ona chiefs.
The hall was filled to capacity as dignitaries and guests gathered for the momentous screening, which also featured cultural performances celebrating Yoruba heritage.
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, graced the occasion, as did the Founder of Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was represented by Ambassador Abayomi Odeniran, his Special Adviser on Strategy and Business Development, along with Ayaba Hidayat Olubunmi, Chairperson of the House of Odùduwà.
A panel of reviewers analysed the film and its production, which included a theatrical performance reflecting the life and legacy of the late Iyalode. The programme culminated in the official unveiling of the film.
In her remarks, Queen Anuoluwa Okoya, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ebunlobirin Foundation, explained that the idea for the film was born out of real-life challenges faced by many women who sought help from the foundation.
“As we investigated further, it became clear the issues were deeper than domestic conflict—they were cultural, ideological, and systemic. We discovered that some women were victims of an unhealthy entitlement mentality, while others, though financially successful, undermined their spouses,” she said.
“In 2024 alone, the Ebunlobirin Foundation had over 100,000 women as members, revealing that these challenges were not isolated but part of a broader societal issue,” she added.
This realisation, she noted, inspired the foundation to take a storytelling approach—producing a film based on the true and inspiring life of Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso.
“She was Nigeria’s first female industrialist, the third Iyalode of Egbaland, and Queen Mother of Karunwi III. Though she passed nearly three decades ago, her legacy continues to empower generations of women,” Queen Okoya said.
She emphasized the film’s potential as both a mirror and a roadmap for Nigerian women, reflecting their challenges and guiding their transformation.
The project, which took eight years (2017–2025) to complete, faced multiple setbacks, including an initially planned 2018 release.
“By the grace of Almighty God, we stand here today, proud of what we have achieved,” she said.
She announced that the official premiere is scheduled for September, alongside the launch of the foundation’s three-year studio programme—a weekly show addressing pressing issues affecting women.
“We aim to empower thousands of women nationwide through this project, including our upcoming YouTube reality shows. This is a bold women-empowerment initiative,” she said.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, represented by Tawakalitu Ayoola, described the event as historic, affirming that women are powerful agents of change. He commended the Foundation for the impactful initiative and lauded the contributions of the late Iyalode to the development of Egbaland.
He added that the current Ogun State administration promoted gender equity and supported inclusive governance.
In his remarks, the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba praised the Foundation and announced a N10 million donation from the Tejuoso family to support the project.
“I am proud to be part of this launch. I appreciate your efforts in producing a film that uses my mother as a role model. I am deeply impressed,” the monarch said.
0
