By Nollywood’s latest epic drama, Labake Olododo, produced and led by actress Iyabo Ojo, has taken the Nigerian film industry by storm, grossing an impressive N172.5 million within just two weeks of its release. The film debuted on March 28, 2025, across cinemas nationwide, earning N50.4 million in its opening weekend alone. This achievement marks the second-largest opening for a Nollywood film this year, according to FilmOne Group, a leading film distribution company in West Africa.
A Milestone for Female-Led Productions
The success of Labake Olododo is part of a growing trend of female-led Nollywood productions dominating the box office. Last year, Eniola Ajao’s Ajakaju: Beasts of Two Worlds earned over N200 million, while Wumi Toriola’s Queen Lateefah set a high benchmark with an astounding N350 million gross. These achievements highlights the increasing influence of women in Nollywood’s creative and commercial landscape.
Behind the Scenes: A Creative Triumph
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Biodun Stephen, Labake Olododo has captivated audiences with its vibrant cinematography, compelling storyline, and exceptional performances. One standout is Alaba Onaolapo (popularly known as Alaba Ultimate), whose portrayal of the antagonist Adigun has received widespread critical acclaim. Reflecting on his role, Alaba shared: “The complexity of Adigun’s character pushed me to my creative limits. Working alongside such talented professionals made every challenging scene worthwhile.”
Iyabo Ojo not only stars in the lead role but also serves as co-executive producer, a dual responsibility that has been lauded by her colleagues. Alaba praised her leadership on set: “Iyabo’s passion and commitment to excellence made all the difference.”
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring Nollywood heavyweights like Muyiwa Ademola, Ibrahim Chatta, Bimbo Akintola, and Scarlet Gomez. It also bridges generations by including veteran actors such as Fathia Balogun and Ayo Mogaji alongside rising stars like Lololade Okunsanya and Nkechi Blessing.
Labake Olododo arrives at a time when Nigerian cinema is experiencing a renaissance fueled by culturally resonant stories and strategic distribution efforts. The film’s financial success highlights the growing appetite for local epics and reinforces Nollywood’s position as a thriving entertainment hub.
As the movie enters its third week in theaters, industry insiders are eager to see if it can sustain its momentum and potentially join the elite club of Nigerian films that have crossed the N300 million mark, a feat achieved by only a few productions in recent years.
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