Daud Olatunji
Veteran broadcaster and filmmaker, Adebayo Musiliu Sanni, popularly known as Bebe Musiliu or Adisa Onitaxi, has challenged politicians, their supporters and voters to demand accountability from elected leaders, saying the quest for the dividends of democracy is the common motivation behind political participation.
Sanni said his new movie, Obe Oselu, was inspired by political developments in Ogun State and designed to provoke conversations about leadership, political loyalty, electoral participation and the expectations of citizens.
The filmmaker, who spoke ahead of the movie’s premiere at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Marquee, Abeokuta, said the production was intended to address all participants in the democratic process, rather than politicians alone.
He said politicians seek political power, supporters rally behind candidates, while voters endure the demands of election day because they expect improved living conditions and good governance.
Explaining the title and central message of the movie, Sanni said, “The politicians are working tirelessly because of what? OBE! The followers are following blindly because of what? OBE! We, the voters, come out under the scorching sun to cast our votes because of what? OBE!
“Now, what is OBE? It is the dividend of democracy!”
According to him, the movie challenges politicians to examine whether they are fulfilling their promises, their supporters to question the actions of those they follow, and voters to demand the benefits of the democratic process.
He said the idea was initially conceived as a skit but was later developed into a full-length movie after his production team advised that a longer format would provide sufficient room to explore the political issues and communicate the intended message.
“I initially wanted to present the idea as a skit because I am also a popular skit maker. However, after discussing it with my team, they advised that the story would be better presented as a full-length movie.
“The argument was that a skit would not give me enough opportunity to go deeper into the story and communicate the different messages I wanted to pass across,” he said.
Sanni explained that Obe Oselu was not merely designed to entertain movie lovers but to encourage them to reflect on the relationship between political leadership and the electorate.
“What makes Obe Oselu special is the message behind it and its connection with the political realities around us, particularly in Ogun State.
“It is not just about entertaining the audience; it is also about making people think about politics, leadership, followership and the expectations of the electorate,” he added.
The Abeokuta-born filmmaker, who hails from Igbein, also spoke about his transition from broadcasting to filmmaking, describing the move as an extension of his creative abilities after more than two decades in the broadcasting industry.
He said his experience in broadcasting had strengthened his storytelling skills, which he was now deploying in filmmaking.
Sanni cited the late broadcasters Toba Opaleye and Gbenga Adeboye, as well as Yemi Sonde of Ibadan, as examples of media practitioners who successfully transferred their storytelling abilities from radio to the movie industry.
He recalled that Opaleye developed Igbanladogi from a radio story, while Adeboye turned Iseju Marun into a movie. He also cited Sonde’s Sikiratu Sindodo as a production that originated from radio presentation.
According to him, the achievements of the broadcasters reinforced his conviction that creative talents developed in broadcasting could find expression in other entertainment platforms.
The premiere of Obe Oselu is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the OOPL Marquee, Abeokuta, with politicians, prominent personalities, entertainment practitioners, colleagues and movie lovers expected to attend.
Sanni expressed optimism that the movie would stimulate discussions about political responsibility and encourage citizens to pay closer attention to governance and the performance of elected officials.
He urged residents of Ogun State, political stakeholders and entertainment enthusiasts to attend the premiere, describing the production as a story with lessons for politicians, their supporters and the electorate.
The filmmaker said his ultimate expectation was that audiences would leave the screening not only entertained but also reflecting on a fundamental question: after the campaigns, political alliances and elections, are citizens receiving the dividends of democracy?
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