The much awaited film-Oko Iyawo- directed and produced by a foremost thespian, Otunba Akin Lewis, will be premiered today in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital strictly on invitation.
A statement by media consultant of the event, Apreel 1 Management, revealed that the premier would be witnessed by the Elerinmo of Erinmo, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Adelabu, chairman of the Solutions FM, Chief Taofeek Adegoke among other dignitaries.
The statement also confirmed that Fuji and Juju music stars, Alhaji Abbas Akande Obesere and King Dele Bravo would be handy to entertain the guests at Mauve 21, MKO Abiola Way, Ring Road, Ibadan, venue of the occasion at 1 pm.
Other invited guests include Chief Launcher, Professor (Ambassador) Oluwatoyin Ayinde Agidi; the Oranmiyan of Oko Kingdom, Oba Dr Olagoke Adisa Akinola Oyeyode III.
“Oko-Iyawo” is a story weaved around Chief Ifaseyi, a happily married man blessed with two children. Ifaseyi does not hit breakthrough until his girlfriend marries him and wins a multi-million naira contract. His wife resists the second wife but finally gives and enjoys a new life of opulence. However, Ifaseyi decides to divorce the new wife and something happens.
Akin-Lewis-MA, Fta, Tdq, Phd, started his professional career in theatre in 1973 when he joined Odu Themes, a theatre group led by Prof. Bode Sowande of the then Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan. He later trained at the University of Ife where he obtained a distinction in Theatre Art under the tutelage of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Sunbo Marinho, Chuck Mike and many others.
He also perfected his craft on the Wole Soyinka theatre stage of University of Ibadan under Dr. Zulu Sofola, Bayo Odunneye (Uncle B) and Prof. Bode Sowande.
Lewis bagged an MA in Theatre (Acting and Directing) from Sofia Bulgaria and a PGD in Marketing Communications from University of Lagos. He was recently awarded Honourary Doctorate degree (HONORS CAUSA) in Politics and Social Human Development by SANCTI PAULI LUTHERAN INSTITUTE FRANCE.
In recognition of his 49 years of service in the industry, he was conferred with the award of Fellow of Theatre Arts (FTA) by the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP).
He has acted in several stage plays at home and abroad which include BIKO’s INQUEST, WEDLOCK OF THE GODS, THE NIGHT BEFORE, KURUNMI, AND MACBETH.
He later joined NTV IBADAN in 1977 where he further trained as an Actor, Producer and Director. He is renowned for his role in WHY WORRY THE LION AND KOKO CLOSE. He relocated to Lagos and gained world wide fame for his roles in MNET’ series TINSEL, HOTEL MAJESTIC, THE BRETHREN as well as numerous genres of films in Yoruba language, such as MADAM DEAREST, ALANTAKUN AND WERE ALASO.
His English language movies include YOUR EXCELLENCY, KING OF BOYS 1 and II etc. Akin Lewis also excelled in the corporate world where he worked at Directorate levels in GLOBACOM LTD., CENTRESPREAD FCB (Advertising & PR), OMEGA Bank and CMC CONNECT LTD. (PR).
He was Rector of Graig Davies College of Technology that offered media studies in Lagos. He also served in the ministry as an ordained Evangelist all over Africa. He is a Polyglot and widely travelled at home and abroad.
He is the scion of the house of Abraham Davie Lewis of Owu Egba and later of Olowogbowo Lagos and also of the house of Adedoja Ekolo of Oke-Odo Ibadan.
Leave a Reply