In the upcoming film “The Man Died,” which is being produced by Awam Amkpa for Zuri24 Media, renowned actor Wale Ojo is slated to play Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. The movie is slated to open in July, the same month as Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
The title alludes to a relationship with Soyinka’s work “The Man Died: The Prison Notes of Wole Soyinka,” which details his 27 months of incarceration during the 1967–1969 Nigerian civil war against the backdrop of Biafra’s secession.
Wale Ojo captures the spirit of the era in the teaser video by donning Soyinka’s signature afro haircut and khaki French suit. The portrayal of the ’60s style, which includes the iconic Volkswagen Beetle automobile and architectural details evocative of Nigeria’s ancient University of Ibadan, is another example of the film’s attention to detail.
Sam Dede, Francis Onwoche, Nobert Young, Edmond Enaibe, Segilola Ogidan, Simileoluwa Hassan, Christiana Oshunniyi, and other gifted actors are among the ensemble cast members of “The Man Died” that showcase their talent.
When considering the turbulent events of the American Civil War, Soyinka’s personal experiences provide insight into the political milieu of the era. His persistent devotion to justice and the truth is demonstrated by his disobedience of the actions of the Nigerian government, which resulted in his imprisonment.
Soyinka’s contemplations on the war stir up recollections of the conflict’s horrific cost—more than a million people lost—mostly from bombs and starvation. His audacious criticism of the time’s dominant ideology and the persecution that followed highlight the value of historical narratives in comprehending the complexity of Nigeria’s past.
