Dotun Taylor, President of Aroba Groove, an international cultural organization, has hailed the reconciliation between Kareem Adepoju, known as ‘Baba Wande,’ and Tunde Kelani as a significant step forward for the global promotion of Nigerian cultural heritage.
Taylor, who is also the Asoju Asa of Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, highlighted that the longstanding feud between the two industry veterans had impacted the growth of Nollywood. A statement from the filmmaker noted that their reunion after about 30 years of disagreement is a crucial milestone for the promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s culture and traditions.
“The three decade-long dispute revolved around royalties from the 1993 hit film *Ti Oluwa Ni Ile*. The Ooni also told me how great the film was and that’s why he chose me as agent for the reconciliation,” Taylor stated.
Delegates from the palace, on behalf of the Ooni of Ife (Ojaja II), visited Tunde Kelani at his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to finalize the settlement.
“This historic reunion is a testament to Ooni’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage,” Taylor added.