The series, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, features Abike Dabiri-Erewa in a cameo role as the Iyalode—a revered female authority figure who intervenes to broker peace between rival communities. Her appearance adds a symbolic layer of leadership and diplomacy to the epic narrative.
Dabiri-Erewa announced her screen debut on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a short clip from the series and describing her role as brief but significant. She praised the production as a “legendary” project and encouraged viewers to stream the series now available on Netflix.
The role represents Dabiri-Erewa’s first venture into acting, marking an unexpected but well-received addition to the show’s ensemble. Her casting was revealed in mid-January 2026 as part of an expanded lineup that includes Portuguese actor Pedro Teixeira and Nigerian media personality Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as KieKie.
Aníkúlápó: The Ghoul Awakens premiered on January 30, 2026, continuing the story of the 2022 hit film Aníkúlápó. The series builds on its rich blend of mythology, culture and fantasy, further cementing Afolayan’s reputation for visually striking and culturally rooted storytelling.