Your Excellency, a directorial debut of Funke Akindele- Bello, is still worth watching after the festive thrills at the cinemas. The movie tells the story of Chief Olalekan Ajadi, a billionaire businessman and failed presidential candidate, who is obsessed with Donald Trump. Just when his campaign looks set to be another disaster, Ajadi is anointed by a major party and becomes a credible contender – all through the power of social media.
As the political drama unfolds, it seems possible that even the most inept candidate, with little to offer voters except viral soundbites and amusing antics, can mount a serious challenge for the presidency
It parades movie stars who really delivered on their roles. From Akin Lewis, Funke Akindele, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Eku Edewor, Emmanuel ‘EmmaohmaGod’, Alexx Ekubo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ini Dima-okojie, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, Ikechukwu
Onunaku and Helen Paul, to others, the cast members will hold you spellbound with their hilarious antics.
However, Akin Lewis, who played Chief Olalekan Ajadi, the presidential aspirant, was in his element or was rather truly ‘Your Excellency’ in the movie.
As well, Funke Akindele, appears to be in fine comedic form as the other half of Akin Lewis while the other stars all combined to poke fun at Nigerian political class and society at large.
A media executive, who saw the set, described the movie as a bouquet of laughter from all angles.
Well, it is no surprise that the movie is much-awaited because of the names behind it. Funke Akindele is an experienced producer of eight movies, including the widely acclaimed Jenifa and The Return of Jenifa. She parlayed this success into the immensely popular television series Jenifa’s Diary, which became the most-watched family series in Nigeria. She also played a leading role in her directorial debut.
Of course, Ebonylife Films, which produced movies such as; Fifty, The Wedding Party, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai and Chief Daddy, also bankrolled the movie.
Funke Akindele said it was not just a realization of her dream, but also an adventure that has proven fruitful and helped to catapult her to her next level in the movie industry.
“I am grateful to have achieved this directorial debut and I appreciate all the support from everybody, the cast and crew members and especially Ebonylife Films”, she said.
