Labake Olododo has been making waves in Nigerian cinemas since its release on March 28, 2025. The film enjoyed a stellar debut, raking in over ₦50 million in its opening weekend—making it the second-biggest Nollywood opening of the year, just behind Reel Love from February 14.
Directed by the acclaimed Biodun Stephen and produced by Iyabo Ojo, this gripping drama masterfully weaves Yoruba cultural heritage into a powerful narrative of love, betrayal, and duty. Rated 18+, Labake Olododo doesn’t shy away from intense themes, delivering an emotionally charged experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
The Premise
In the kingdom of Lokosi, Labake is a warrior unlike any other—feared on the battlefield yet respected for her sense of justice. Despite her reputation, she has a compassionate heart, shaped by the loss of her parents at a young age. The only family she has left is her fiercely protective grandmother, Iya Agba, who watches over her like a guardian spirit.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring village of Olugbun, unrest brews. Their marketplace is under attack by an unknown force, leaving the people desperate. The village youth, frustrated by the lack of action, demand their king, Oba Adeniyi, to seek outside help. When he turns to Labake, she refuses, believing that each kingdom must fight its own battles.
Back in Lokosi, trouble is brewing within Labake’s ranks. Her trusted second-in-command, Adigun, has begun abusing his power—terrorizing the villagers and extorting them without fear of consequence. Labake learns of his cruelty and decisively strips him of his supernatural strength, ending his authority over others.
As tensions rise in Olugbun, the villagers take matters into their own hands, leading to a devastating loss that shakes the kingdom. In the wake of this tragedy, Princess Adesewa steps up, determined to avenge her family and reclaim her people’s honor.
Amid the turmoil, Labake’s life takes an unexpected turn when a charming English teacher, Jaiyeoba, arrives at the village school. He is immediately captivated by her, seeing beyond the hardened warrior to the woman beneath. Despite her grandmother’s warnings, Labake finds herself drawn to him, embracing a softer side of herself that she had long buried.
However, peace is short-lived. A fierce confrontation changes everything, exposing long-buried secrets and unresolved conflicts between the two kingdoms. Labake finds herself at the heart of a storm, where past grievances, betrayals, and the weight of history collide. As tensions explode, choices are made that cannot be undone, leading to a tragic chain of events that alter the course of many lives. In the end, the story comes full circle—fate intertwining love, loss, and redemption in a haunting conclusion that lingers in the heart long after the final scene.
Cast and Performances
The film brings together a powerhouse cast, with each actor breathing life into their roles and adding depth to the story.
Iyabo Ojo shines as Labake Olododo, effortlessly embodying the strength and charisma of a fearless warrior while seamlessly transitioning into the softer, more vulnerable side of a woman in love. Her performance is captivating from start to finish.
Tayo Faniran, as Jaiyeoba, delivers a solid performance, holding his own alongside Iyabo Ojo. Olarotimi Fakunle as Beyioku is another standout—his portrayal is so layered that you’re never quite sure if he’s trustworthy or a looming threat.
Alaba Onaolapo brings intensity to Adigun, making him a character you love to hate, while Toyin Olaniran as Iya Agba is nothing short of terrifying—her presence alone commands attention.
Veteran actors Yinka Quadri and Femi Adebayo slip into their royal roles with ease, adding weight and authority to their characters. Scarlet Gomez, as Princess Adesewa, delivers a compelling performance, striking the perfect balance between cunning and determination.
The film also features an impressive lineup of industry heavyweights, including Bimbo Akintola, Afeez Oyetoro, Fathia Balogun, Odunlade Adekola, Aishat Lawal, Broda Shaggi, and Cute Abiola. With a star-studded cast, Labake Olododo features nearly every major name in Yoruba cinema, making it an exciting watch.
What I Liked About The Movie
What truly stands out in Labake Olododo is its refreshing blend of history, supernatural elements, and deeply human emotions. The film isn’t just about warriors and battles—it’s a story of duty, love, and betrayal, themes that still resonate today. It blends familiar struggles with an ancient, mystical world, creating a unique and engaging story that captivates.
Visually, the movie delivers. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the grandeur of the era with breathtaking landscapes and well-framed action sequences. The set design feels authentic, pulling you into the world of Lokosi and Olugbun. The costumes are another highlight, richly detailed and fitting for the period, making the characters even more believable. The CGI was well-executed, enhancing the storytelling rather than distracting, a rare success for historical films.
Another thing I appreciated was the balance of humor. The film includes comic relief, but it never overshadows the story. The humor, delivered by naturally funny characters, is subtle and well-timed, adding levity without overshadowing the film’s emotional depth.
Weak Points
As much as Labake Olododo is an engaging film, it does have a few missteps. One of the biggest issues is the ending—it feels a bit unclear. Did it aim to provide a satisfying resolution or serve as an act of vengeance? The film doesn’t fully commit to either, leaving the audience in a bit of limbo. On top of that, the storyline involving the two kingdoms seemed to fizzle out rather abruptly, with no clear resolution. It would have been better to see how Lokosi and Olugbun truly settled, rather than leaving it to speculation.
Another thing that felt out of place was the use of English in certain scenes. Seeing a Yoruba king casually speaking English with his son felt jarring, especially given the historical setting. Although the village has a school, it seems unlikely a traditional ruler from that era would be fluent in English. A bit of context or explanation would have helped bridge that gap.
Then, there’s Princess Adesewa. She suddenly appears after the deaths of her father and brother as though she had been in exile or hiding. Her unexplained absence before these events makes her sudden emergence feel too convenient for the plot. A bit more backstory on her character would have made her presence feel more natural.
That said, none of these issues take away from the fact that Labake Olododo is still an enjoyable and well-made film.
Final Thoughts
Labake Olododo is a well-crafted film that balances cultural storytelling with raw emotion. It is a movie that not only entertains but also sparks conversations. Despite a few minor flaws, it remains a must-watch for fans of Nollywood dramas and those who appreciate strong, character-driven storytelling.
Rating
I rate Labake Olododo a 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
What did you think of Labake Olododo? Did it live up to your expectations? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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