Osamede: An Oversimplified Historical Epic

Osamede began its journey as a stage play directed by Ayo Ajayi at the Muson Centre in Lagos back in 2021. The vision to bring it to the big screen came from producer Lilian Olubi, with James Omokwe directing and Lolo Eremie as writer. Set in the early 19th century during the British expedition to the Benin Kingdom, the story follows Ivie Okujaye as Osamede — an orphan gifted with the powers of a mystical ancient stone, destined to save her people from both the invading British and a power-hungry Iyase, the kingdom’s general. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Market in May and hit Nigerian cinemas on October 17, 2025. Told in a blend of Bini and English, Osamede aims to stand out, but were there oversimplifications in its cultural authenticity and historical depth, is the question I asked myself.

Premise

Set in 1897, Osamede unfolds against the backdrop of a thriving Benin Kingdom on the brink of turmoil. During a sacred festival, a British expedition seeks audience with the Oba, but General Iyase denies them entry, a decision that sparks bloodshed. Enraged by what he perceives as the Oba’s weakness toward the British, Iyase becomes consumed by ambition. He seeks the power of Arousa, a mystical stone sent by Osanobua and guarded by holy priests, believing it will grant him the might to overthrow the Oba and drive out the colonizers.

One of the stone’s protectors, the priestess Adaze, fights to stop him. In a desperate act, she performs forbidden magic, transforming the sacred stone into her unborn child before succumbing to her wounds. Iyase is captured and imprisoned by the British, and the once-glorious kingdom falls under colonial rule.

Two decades later, the British exploit the people in the mines while a fiery young woman named Osamede, Adaze’s daughter, grows up unaware of her destiny. After a fateful altercation with a British soldier, her hidden power ignites, literally, when her touch sets him ablaze. Hunted by both the British and a vengeful Iyase, newly freed from prison, Osamede flees into the mountains. There, she must uncover the truth of who she is and embrace the ancient power within her — a power that may be the only hope to free her people from enemies both foreign and familiar.

Cast and Performances

For a Bini language themed film, Osamede brings together a cast that feels deeply connected to Edo heritage. Leading the story is Ivie Okujaye Egboh as Osamede, a role that demanded both strength and vulnerability. You could tell she struggled a bit with the weight of the Bini language, but that didn’t take away from her performance. She expressed emotion through her actions and presence, and it worked beautifully. Ivie reminded us why she earned her AMVCA award in 2013 — she carried herself like a true Nigerian heroine, strong yet human.

William Benson as General Iyase was easily the highlight for me. His portrayal of power and menace came so naturally that you almost forget he’s acting. Every time he appeared on screen, he commanded attention and gave the story real depth.

Temi Adeyemi gave a convincing performance as Adaze, while Lexan Aisosa Peters as Nosa — the British-trained captain who swore loyalty to Osamede — provided balance and heart. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and Paul Obazele brought a touch of experience and gravitas as the priest and Osamede’s adopted father, and Etinosa Igbemudia was delightful as Osamede’s loyal friend.

The only part that fell short for me was the performance of some of the foreign actors, including Alexander Bud as a British army major. Their delivery lacked the emotional intensity of their Nigerian counterparts and slightly dulled the impact of an otherwise strong and passionate cast.

What Worked

The concept of Osamede, though adapted from a stage play, felt fresh and ambitious with its blend of epic fiction, mysticism, and Edo cultural depth. The decision to use only Bini and other Edo native languages added authenticity and made the story feel grounded in its roots.

The costumes, hairstyles, and set designs were impressive, especially the detailing in both the British and Benin soldiers’ attire. Everything came together to immerse you in that time and place.

The sound design stood out too, particularly in the ethereal and fight scenes, and while the CGI wasn’t flawless, it was a strong effort.

I’ve always admired films that spotlight cultures beyond the usual, and Osamede gives hope that more tribes will take the bold step to tell their stories on the big screen in their own languages.

Drawbacks

In my opinion, Osamede suffered from an oversimplification of what could have been a truly epic tale. While the film beautifully blended the supernatural with bits of historical truth, it fell short in portraying the full grandeur of the Benin Empire. Not once did we see the Oba, his palace, or his royal court, a glaring omission, especially since Oba Ovonramwen was a central figure in the 1897 history the story draws from. Considering that Iyase’s entire ambition was to overthrow the Oba, it felt almost essential to see him represented. You can’t really talk about the might of Benin without showing the Oba’s majesty.

When the film attempted to explain the origin of the Arousa Stone, it resorted to AI-generated visuals. Some might find that clever, but to me, it looked more like a budget workaround than a creative choice. It took away from the story’s magic rather than adding to it.

We also never truly learned the extent of the stone’s powers, beyond its ability to burn and incapacitate, which made Osamede’s transformation feel rushed and underdeveloped.

There were smaller frustrations too, like subtitles that lagged or mismatched the dialogue. Given that the film reportedly cost around ₦300 million (roughly $200,000), it’s hard not to feel that Nollywood still struggles with the scale and polish required for a fantasy epic. Comparing Osamede to something like The Woman King puts things in perspective — both aimed high, but one soared while the other, sadly, fell short.

Final Thoughts

Osamede had the potential to become Nigeria’s own cinematic heroine, and in spirit, she still is. But in execution, the film faces battles of its own: limited budget, uneven storytelling, and a need for the kind of bold attention to detail that makes a movie truly unforgettable. With stronger resources and a deeper creative push, Osamede could have been a landmark moment for Nollywood. For now, she stands as a brave first step, one that dares to dream of greatness, even if it doesn’t quite reach it yet.

Rating

I would rate Osamede 3/5.

Our Rating of This Movie

But what do you think — did Osamede light the spark for something greater, or did it fall short of its own legend?

Author

Alexander Azonobo

Alex is a writer with an undeniable passion for movies and the stories they tell. He loves diving into the world of cinema—exploring its themes, characters, and the artistry that brings it all to life. With an eye for detail and a love for storytelling, he writes to share his thoughts and spark conversations about the films that move, challenge, and inspire us.