In a significant move for Nigeria's film industry, popular actor Lateef Adedimeji has officially joined the elite ranks of Nollywood stars who own private film villages. The actor recently unveiled his multi-billion-naira film village project located in Ekiti State, marking a major private investment in the region's creative infrastructure.
A Landmark Commissioning in Ekiti
The project, known as the Lateef Adedimeji Film Village, is still under construction but was formally commissioned in a ceremony held on December 18, 2025. The event was graced by the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, who performed the official unveiling. Governor Oyebanji used the occasion to commend filmmakers for initiating projects that help preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti. He was, however, quick to clarify a crucial point: the Ekiti State Government is not providing any financial sponsorship for the film village. The governor emphasized that this is purely a private investment by Lateef Adedimeji and his team.
Immediate Use for Epic Historical Production
Despite the ongoing construction work, the film village is already serving a vital purpose. Lateef Adedimeji and his wife, fellow actress Mo Bimpe, are currently utilizing the facility as the primary location for their upcoming epic film titled Ekiti Parapo War, also known as the Kiriji War. This ambitious production focuses on a pivotal conflict in Yoruba history. The Ekiti–Parapo War was a 16-year civil war among Yoruba kingdoms that pitted Western groups like Ibadan and Oyo against Eastern communities including Ekiti, Ijesha, Ijebu, and others.
The personal connection to the story adds depth to the project. While Lateef Adedimeji hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State, his wife Mo Bimpe is from a royal family in Ekiti State, giving the film and the village's location a strong emotional and cultural significance for the couple.
Entering the Exclusive Film Village Owners' Club
With this development, Lateef Adedimeji now finds himself in a small, influential group of Nigerian film practitioners who own dedicated film production villages. This exclusive club includes other notable names such as:
- Kunle Afolayan (film village in Oyo State)
- Ibrahim Chatta (film village in Oyo State)
- Dele Odule (film village in Ijebu, Ogun State)
The establishment of private film villages is seen as a strategic move to gain more control over production environments, reduce location costs, and create lasting assets within the industry.
The announcement sparked various reactions on social media. While many fans celebrated the achievement, some users questioned the long-term viability and planning for such dedicated facilities. Others clarified that the structures being built were initially for the Kiriji War film set, which has now evolved into a permanent village concept.
In related news, the project unveiling comes after a period where Lateef's wife, Mo Bimpe, had to publicly address online trolling regarding her personal life, demonstrating the couple's resilience in focusing on their professional ventures amidst public scrutiny.
