Lisabi: The Uprising 2024

King Olodan, the formidable ruler of the Olodan kingdom, stands his ground against the Alaafin, the tyrannical ruler of the Oyo Empire, by refusing to pay the exorbitant tributes that have been demanded. His rebellion does not go unnoticed; in a brutal act of retribution, King Olodan is captured, beaten, and dragged to the palace, where the toll of tribute – consisting of hard-earned money and farm produce from the villagers – is forcibly extracted from the people’s meager possessions. As a result of his defiance, the Alaafin decrees his execution, serving as a grim warning to anyone who might contemplate a similar challenge to his authority.

The oppression does not stop there. The heartless Songodeyi, played by Gabriel Afolayan, leads a ruthless band of tribute collectors who wreak havoc upon the Egba people. In a shocking twist of brutality, these marauders seize more than their fair share, exacting terror upon compliant villagers; their heinous acts include the violation of young women and the cold-blooded execution of anyone daring enough to resist. As a cloud of despair envelops the land, daily life for the farmers and villagers of Egba becomes a nightmarish struggle.

Among the brave souls witnessing the tribulations of their community is Oshokenu, whose friend, the diligent farmer Lisabi, supports him in every endeavor. Oshokenu, played by Adebowale Adedayo, is compelled to respond when he sees the tribute collectors take advantage of a vulnerable businesswoman and her daughter. Overcome with indignation, he confronts them, questioning, > “Why do you take only women? Men should go with them too.” His boldness, however, invites severe repercussions, and for his resistance, he endures a vicious public punishment, leaving an indelible mark on his face and spirit.

Despite his reputation as a lazy farmer, Oshokenu harbors dreams of marrying the beautiful Abebi, played by Adebimpe Oyebade, a radiant light-skinned woman from Egba. With the unwavering support of Lisabi, he wins her heart, and they agree to marry. But their joy is short-lived; as Abebi embarks on the journey to her new home, she is ambushed by Songodeyi and his goons, suffering unimaginable trauma that leads her to take her own life in a state of despair.

Driven by the tragic fate of Abebi, Oshokenu vows to exact revenge against the oppressors. In a thrilling confrontation, he succeeds in killing ten tribute collectors, but his triumph is bittersweet as he is fatally shot in the process. In his final moments, Lisabi arrives, witnessing the devastation of his friend. Moved by Oshokenu’s dying plea, Lisabi steps up to become the beacon of hope for the Egba people in their quest for revenge and justice. He initiates a communal farming effort that enables the farmers to function as a unified front, creating a guise of cooperation to mask their true intentions from the overbearing Oyo forces. However, within this apparent compliance lies Lisabi’s master plan: to rally the Egba for an uprising against their oppressors.

Through his sharp strategic insight and exceptional leadership, Lisabi establishes the Aaro society, a covert communal work group that secretly lays the foundation for a grand rebellion. As tensions between the Egba and their Oyo overlords escalate, Lisabi meticulously organizes an uprising, leading to a series of intense battles that ultimately culminate in the Egba people’s triumphant victory over the Oyo forces, marking their long-awaited liberation and independence from tyranny.