In the world of Nollywood, captivating stories have always been a powerful tool for teaching valuable life lessons. Apart from teaching captivating stories, these stories imitate and reflect the past to teach moral lessons.
One such story is told by Kunle Afolayan, weaving around the adventures of four young individuals who stumble upon a trove of dazzling diamonds. Their journey, albeit affected by unwise decisions, leads them down a treacherous path filled with unforeseen troubles. This classic tale mirrors the age-old theme of “easy come, easy go” that resonates with viewers on a moral level.
Ijogbon echoes back the narratives of Nigeria’s crisis — crude oil. After this movie, it is safe to say that the plot of this movie might however be limited but recreates how the discovery of crude oil breaks the positive prospects of Nigeria. As soon as crude oil was discovered in the 19’s, every stakeholder sought ways to consolidate its booming profits with their personal satisfactions, rendering the resources abode and the nation at large impoverished.
Casting a bunch of talented and established actors which include Yemi Sodimu, Yemi Solade, Gabriel Afolayan, Sam Dede, Femi Adebayo, Adunni Ade, Bolaji Amusan and others, Ijogbon does well to outline its plot to unveil its variety of theme and will stand the test of time.
Synopsis
Four youths unearth a trove of diamonds but their initial excitement is soon overshadowed by loads of troubles. They succeed in selling the diamonds, buy valuable stuff with the proceedings and plan to “japa” to overseas. However, the owner of the diamonds soon come looking for the young man who has stolen it earlier. The owners soon get to capture one and the most important youth, hold him as hostage to retrieve the remaining of the diamonds. However, the movie climaxes into a bloody affair as the Amotekun group comes after the youths and owners.
Thematic allure
Ijogbon is a narrative that unfolds with four young souls discovering an abundance of diamonds, a metaphorical fortune that instantly sparks excitement and dreams of a luxurious life. However, it is the characters’ responses to this newfound wealth that fuels the core of the movie’s theme. As they yield to their selfish interests and make unwise decisions, the once-promising fortune begins to unravel. Viewers bear witness to the fragile nature of luck, as it easily transforms into misfortune when driven by greed. This universal message is a stark reminder that life’s wheel of fortune is ever-turning, and it is our choices that guide its path.
Kunle Afolayan’s movie brilliantly delves into the Japa syndrome. More explicitly, Jamiu, the oldest of the youths seems so desperate to leave the country for overseas in search of greener pastures. It is his decision that overrides the rest — Oby, Prince, and Ranti — in harbouring the diamonds which eventually invite their woes.
Within this dramatic tale, an important lesson emerges for parents everywhere. The characters’ journey highlights the consequences of youthful recklessness and the power of poor decisions. It reminds us that, as parents, being aware of the whereabouts and choices of our children is vital. With this knowledge, parents can impart guidance and wisdom, steering their children away from the rocky path of avarice and making choices they may later regret.
The movie subtly underscores the value of open communication, trust, and guidance from parents, playing a role in shaping the lives and destinies of their young ones. In a way, it is safe to say to say that the youths end up messing up their fortune because it seems too much of a fortune and there is no parental guidance at any point.
Cinematographic allure
Ijogbon boasts of a fascinating cinematographic allure. It goes back into the ancient times when the society aligned with its rich cultural values — language, dress and music. The quality of settings — rocks and mountains captured from high angles —costumes and effects complement the plot and its sequences.
Ratings
Ijogbon does well but leaves a few questions unanswered. One is whether Adunni Ade and Femi Branch are legal miners. Another minus from the movie is the “unnecessary” twist at the climax of the movie. Whatever motive the Chinese might have laid down is not concrete enough to prevent the harshness that the writers try to avoid.
However, it still delivers its desired thematic concerns well.
It takes a 6/10.
