DGN NIGERIA: Ooni of Ife, Fred Amata Salutes Mo Abudu Historic Studio Opening

By Perekeme Odon

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II paid a civility visit to the Nigerian talk show queen, media mogul, billionaire filmmaker, and CEO of EbonyLife TV Mosunmola 'Mo' Abudu, who finally opened her newly accomplished multi-billion Naira Ebony Life Studios positioned at highbrow Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, in the heart of Lagos State, Nigeria.

(l-r) Rykardo Agbo, Ooni of Ife, Deyemi Okanlawon, Seyi Law, Mo Abudu, Fred Amata & Ralph Nwadike

The exciting and fanfare visit that saw the Ooni convoyed by the President, Directors Guild of Nigeria, Olorogun Fred Amata and other dignitaries took place on December 23, 2019, at the EbonyLife Studios, VI, Lagos.

The CEO EbonyLife TV and first African to chair the International Emmy Awards Gala, Mo Abudu welcomed everyone present and shared how excited she was to have such a befitting personality and Royal Father in her studio.

A Cross-Section of Filmmakers

The harbinger of the first syndicated daily talk show on the continent “Moments With Mo” in 2006 started the evening with a tour around the five-story edifice alongside the Ooni of Ife and his cortege that lasted about an hour.

“It is my overwhelming desire to welcome our distinctive and amiable Royal Father, the Ooni of Ife, whom I adulate so much. This project is not a one person’s dream or job but a collective effort. I believe everyone here is going to have a thrilling and delightful time while it last.” She declared.

The studio, which has various cinema halls and other important film making facilities, including a 20 bedroom hotel is Africa’s first Black Global Outfit; Mo Abudu has conserved her place and prominence as one of the top filmmakers in Nigeria.

(l-r) Olorogun Fred Amata Prince Tunji Aderibigbe & Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey

The President, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Olorogun Fred Amata commended the EbonyLife boss and said, “This is a laudable venture embarked upon by a woman of excellence often referred to as “Africa’s Oprah”. I admire her drive for flawlessness and prominence: and also wish her all the best.”

In 2014, she started EbonyLife Films, which has created the three highest-grossing films in the history of Nollywood. The outfit has established an exclusive partnership with DSTV for the distribution of her content across Africa though the Ebonylife TV channel.

In 2018, EbonyLife announced a three-series scripted deal with Sony Pictures Television, followed by an agreement with another major US studio to develop an African science-fiction TV series. Mo has furthermore shot three films earning close to a billion Naira with the world acclaimed movie distributor, Netflix.

(l-r) Olorogun Fred Amata, Ooni of Ife, Mo Abudu & Deyemi Okanlawon

The Grand Patron of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria and Imperial Majesty of Nollywood, Ooni of Ife and his train were treated to sumptuous assorted snacks, hors d'oeuvres and choice wines. This followed by a hilarious and entertaining blockbuster social-media-driven political satire movie, ‘Your Excellency’, produced by Mo Abudu and directed by Funke Akindele-Bello starring Akin Lewis, Funke Akindele-Bello, Kunle Coker, Seyi Law, Deyemi Okanlanwon, Helen Paul, Alexx Ekubo, etc.

The star-studded funny and touching movie signifying a barrel of laughs from every angle as it shows how politics and social media are shaping Nigerian society in equal measure, by way of they poking fun at Nigerian politics and society at large with the story of a bumbling, billionaire businessman and three-time failed presidential candidate, who becomes a credible contender when his dance moves and gaffes ignite social media.

Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II

The Ooni acknowledged the magnificent headway of Mo Abudu in raising the bar of the Nigerian movie industry with what he had seen on the ground. “We should give honour to whom honour is due. EbonyLife Place is amazing with a hardworking woman that built if from ground zero. She has never been disrespectful and we are happy with her success stories.

With the core values of team spirit, boldness, innovation, and vibrancy that define them, EbonyLife Media will continue to be the go-to source of dynamic, original, quality content that celebrates the beauty of Africa and enjoys creating captivating contents that will tell the African story from a fresh and positive African perspective to the world.

A Cross-Section of Filmmakers and Guests

Present at the event is Director of Business School, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dr. Prince Makinde, HOD Public Health, OAU, Ile-Ife, Prof. Olapeju Adefunke Esimai, DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata, AMP President, Mr. Ralph Nwadike, NFVCB Board Member, Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey, DGN Treasurer, Dr. Tony Akposheri, Rykardo Agbo, Seyi Law, Deyemi Okalanwon, Iyabo Ojo, AVOA President, Ngozi Ogbonna Onye, DGN PRO, Mr. Perekeme Odon, Prince Tunji Onochie Aderibigbe, Uche Iwuji, Mr. Franks Oite, and other dignitaries.