Elesin Oba: The King's Horseman is a film adaptation of the eponymous play by Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian playwright Wole Soyinka. The movie was directed by Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani and released in 2010.
The story takes place in the Oyo Empire in Nigeria in the 1940s. Elesin Oba (played by Nigerian actor, dancer, and choreographer, Yinka Davies) is the king's chief horseman, a highly respected and revered position in the Yoruba culture. The Alaafin (played by Nigerian actor Lere Paimo) has passed away, and as part of the Yoruba tradition, Elesin is expected to commit ritual suicide to accompany the deceased ruler to the afterlife.
On the night of the ritual, Elesin is captured by British colonial officers and thrown in jail. While he struggles to come to terms with his impending death, his son Olunde (played by Kunle Afolayan) attempts to save him and preserve the honor of their family and their tribe. However, Olunde's efforts lead to tragic consequences, as he himself becomes trapped in a cycle of revenge, sacrifice, and redemption.
The film explores themes of tradition and modernity, power and resistance, colonialism and cultural identity. It portrays the clash between British colonialism and Yoruba culture, and the tension between individual desires and communal obligations. The movie features stunning cinematography, vibrant costumes, and a powerful score, and showcases the talents of some of Nigeria's most prominent actors and filmmakers.