Tourism entrepreneur says years of research and planning are behind ambitious film exploring Africa's slavery-era history
After decades of promoting African tourism and cultural heritage, renowned tourism entrepreneur Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye is embarking on one of his most ambitious creative projects yet with the commencement of principal photography for his historical epic, So Long – Odigbose.
Filming officially began on June 15, 2026, at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, where the production has transformed the luxury beachfront destination into a full-scale movie location designed to recreate a pivotal period in African history.
Akinboboye, who serves as Advisor to the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) in Nigeria and Tourism Ambassador for the Conference of World Mayors (WCM), said the project represents the culmination of a vision he has carefully developed over several years.
The historical drama revisits a largely overlooked chapter of Africa's past, recreating events from more than four centuries ago during the era of slavery and colonial expansion. Through its narrative, the film seeks to explore themes of identity, resilience, culture and historical memory.
Speaking during a break in production, Akinboboye explained why it took years for the project to reach the production stage.
"I have nurtured this vision for years," Akinboboye said.
"Many people have asked why it took so long to reach the screen. The answer is in the research, creativity, and commitment needed to faithfully recreate a world that existed more than four hundred years ago."
Resort transformed into a film production hub
Production is taking place entirely within La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, where cast and crew are being accommodated in the resort's luxury chalets. The production secretariat has been established at Obieze 4, while the expansive beachfront, forests and natural landscapes are serving as key filming locations for the historical drama.
According to the production team, significant attention has been devoted to authenticity, with elaborate costume designs, carefully reconstructed historical settings, modern filmmaking technology and Hollywood-standard production equipment forming part of the project's creative vision.
The screenplay was written by acclaimed Nigerian screenwriter Tunde Babalola, whose script, according to Akinboboye, presents a fresh interpretation of historical events that continue to influence generations of Africans.
Describing the screenplay, he said it offers "a fresh and compelling interpretation" of the era.
Focus on quality over speed
Serving as both the creator and director of the film, Akinboboye said the production team is prioritising quality above deadlines, with filming expected to last between six months and one year.
"Our objective is to create a timeless cinematic masterpiece that resonates with audiences globally," he stated.
"We are committed to the highest standards of storytelling, production, and historical accuracy."
The extended production timeline, he explained, reflects the scale of the project and the importance of accurately portraying the historical period being depicted.
Celebrating African history through cinema
So Long – Odigbose is expected to examine the African experience during slavery and colonial domination through stories centred on survival, cultural identity and resilience.
Although production is still in its early stages, the project has already generated attention within the film industry, with observers describing it as one of the more ambitious historical productions currently underway in African cinema.
By combining historical storytelling with high production standards and culturally authentic settings, the filmmakers hope the project will contribute to preserving African history while introducing global audiences to stories that have often remained underrepresented on the international screen.