How Olubadan’s N85,000 loan launched my filmmaking career — Tunde Kelani

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani has revealed that the current Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, once lent him N85,000 to finance his first film, a gesture he said paved the way for his breakthrough in the movie industry.

Kelani made the disclosure during a recent appearance on The Dupe Ajayi Show, where he reflected on the early days of his filmmaking career and the support he received from Ladoja.

Recounting the experience, the filmmaker said he decided to produce his debut film 10 years after returning from the London Film School but lacked the funds to finance the project.

“In 10 years after London Film School, I realised that I hadn’t made a film. I decided that it was time to make one. I put together a team. We had Cinecraft, and we could donate our skills, but we still needed money,” he said.

According to him, the project required N85,000, and a team member, Alhaji Lasisi Oriekun, introduced him to his brother, Rashidi Ladoja, who agreed to lend them the money. Kelani said the loan enabled his team to produce Iwa, an adaptation of Adebayo Faleti’s Idamu Paadi Minkailu.

Kelani added that the support marked the beginning of a long-standing collaboration, with Ladoja later providing funding for the establishment of his production company, Mainframe Productions, which was created to preserve and promote Yoruba culture and history. He said he needed about £50,000 for the project but received more than that from Ladoja.

Ladoja previously served as a senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District from 1992 to 1993 and later as governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 before ascending the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadan.