To begin with, we think you should know what is maybe the most interesting fact about this film, that is not related to the film. It is this: The Legend of Inikpi is Mercy Johnson Okojie’s first directorial role.
The synopsis of the film reads:
Set in the ancient Kingdoms of Igala and Bini, ‘The Legend of Inikpi’ tells a compelling tale of two kingdoms on the brink of war.
When the Oracle informs King Attah of Igala Kingdom of the human sacrifice demanded by the gods, the king plunges into despair; haunted by the ghosts of his past, this is a sacrifice he is not prepared to give!
The film first began making waves at the beginning of January 2020 when Mercy Johnson Okojie released the first film trailer.
It showed top actors and actresses in fierce costumes reflective of their roles and whetted appetites so that it was all people could talk about.
‘The Legend of Inikpi’ was directed by Frank Rajah Arase and stars Mercy Johnson Okojie, Sam Dede, Odunlade Adekola, Saidi Balogun, Paul Obazele and others.
According to Mercy Johnson, who produced the movie: “I believe I’ve been called to tell Nigerian stories. From the feedback we have so far, people are ready to know more about our culture and our past. It’s an honour to be the vessel to tell these stories.”
The film tells the true story of Princess Inikpi Oma Ufedo Baba of Igala kingdom who gave up her life to save her kingdom.
She was the only daughter of her father, Ayegbu Oma Idoko, former Atta of Igala Kingdom.
The story goes that the Igala and the Bini kingdoms were at war when the Igala kingdom was plunged into chaos. The Bini people seized farmlands from the Igala people and poisoned their rivers so that anyone that drank from them died.
The king, left with no choice, contacted the oracle, and was told that the only way peace could reign was if the princess was buried alive.
At first, the king did not tell Inikpi about the oracle’s proclamation, but on the eighth day after she troubled him, he finally opened up to her.
Inikpi went without fear to the riverbank, with nine slaves who were to help her in the afterlife, and she was buried alive. Until today, the Igala people appreciate her sacrifice, so much that many of their daughters are named Inikpi in her honour.
Mercy Johnson also gave the movie a fitting premiere by inviting top-rated Nollywood actors and actresses who graced the event and made sure it was a social media phenomenon.
The actress dazzled in her gold dress as she cradled her baby bump and attended the premiere with her family.
‘The Legend of Inikpi’ is set for release tomorrow, 24 January. Watch the trailer below and let us know in the comments section below if you will watch the movie.
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