Tourism Icon Otunba Akinboboye Brings the History of African Slavery to the Big Screen

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27 Jun, 2026
Otunba Akinboboye’s Cinematic Debut: A Powerful Epic on African Slavery

Tourism tycoon Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye is swapping the boardroom for the director's chair. The prominent Nigerian entrepreneur—who advises the African Union's Cultural and Social Council and represents the Conference of World Mayors as a Tourism Ambassador—has officially started production on his long-awaited historical epic, “So Long – Odigbose”.

Filming began on 15 June 2026 at his stunning flagship property, La Champagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. With a portfolio of resorts spanning the continent, Akinboboye calls this project his most ambitious creative leap yet. The film shines a light on a neglected chapter of African history, bringing to life events from over four centuries ago during the heights of the slave trade and colonial domination.


“I have nurtured this vision for years,” Akinboboye said during a break in filming.

“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.”

The entire production is being filmed at La Campagne Tropicana, which has been transformed into a bustling film hub. Both the cast and crew are staying in the resort’s luxury chalets, with the production office based at Obieze 4. The resort’s natural landscapes and beachfront are providing a dramatic backdrop for key scenes.

The film features state-of-the-art, Hollywood-standard equipment, elaborate costume design, and meticulously recreated historical sets. The screenplay was written by the acclaimed Tunde Babalola, and Akinboboye has described the final script as a "fresh and compelling interpretation" of events that shaped generations.

Acting as both creator and director, Akinboboye has emphasised that quality will not be sacrificed for speed. Production is expected to take between six months and a year to complete.

“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.”

“So Long – Odigbose” explores how slavery and colonialism shaped the African experience, weaving a powerful narrative around history, identity, culture, and resilience. Early footage has already set a high standard, prompting industry experts to hail it as a definitive landmark for African cinema.

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