The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has revealed plans to build a movie city in Nigeria. He revealed this on Tuesday in Osun State, where he was conferred with the Grand Patron of DGN and Imperial Majesty of Nollywood by the Directors Guild of Nigeria, DGN.
The Directors Guild of Nigeria, honoured the king with this title as part of the activities to mark their 20 years in existence and to appreciate him for his consistent support to Nollywood.
Speaking after the conferment ceremony, president of the DGN, Olorogun Fred Amata said:
“I am overwhelmed, privileged and honoured today to be leading a delegation of famous people of Nollywood to this land of greatness and cradle of civilization. There are various other guilds and associations in Nollywood.
“Our purpose of coming here despite the fame we have achieved is to felicitate and identify with this great land and the King in the service to our creativity, humanity, and provision of assistance to professional filmmaking in Nigeria.
Amata also urged the King to use his influence to do more to take the Nigeria movie industry to the next level.
“Thank you for accepting DGN as we believe this synergy and bonding mark a new positive beginning for continuous support and encouragement to better the guild and the Nigerian movie industry.”
In response, The Ooni of Ife appreciated the DGN, he said:
“I greet all members and executives of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria. It is indeed a great honour and adoration to have you here. You have shown me, love, peace and sign of togetherness. I don’t know who told you to come to make me your Grand Patron, because I am very happy to associate with you from today.
“I am a very active supporter of the movie industry in Nigeria and I have supported lots of movie initiatives and projects in Nigeria. Things I have been doing indirectly can be done directly now.”
While expressing his support for the movie industry in Nigeria. The Ooni of Ife said:
“Everyone is running after Netflix. Why can’t we have our own Netflix here? Why can’t we have hubs where we can be downloading movies and think outside the box? I built a resort in Lagos. It is one of the biggest resorts in Nigeria with about 250 hectares of land. My plan was to build a movie city before I became a King.
“Several movies have actually been done there. I have been thinking aloud that in this country we should have a movie city like what they have in California. Even as a King I am trying to build a film city that is called Ife Grand Resort and trying to take it to another level.”
Known to have a burning passion for the Nigerian Entertainment Industry, The Ooni of Ife is a fascinating monarch who has been vocal about the potential of tourism in Nigeria in relation to the Nigerian culture and history. Many Nigerian celebrites have paid a courtesy visit to the King. They include music star, Davido who took his Fiancee Chioma to see the King.