The market-set drama ‘Iyaloja’ is driven by power, authority, and morally complex choices, according to cast and crew comments at its premiere.

The film, set in Isale-Eko and released in cinemas nationwide on May 29, 2026, explores the dynamics of market life through a layered narrative that its cast says goes beyond surface-level depictions of traders and everyday commerce.

At the centre of the conversation is a story shaped by power struggles and generational tension. Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu described the film as one rooted in hierarchy and consequence, drawing parallels between leadership and responsibility.

“To me, Iyaloja is basically ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.’ “It’s a power tussle… look before you leap, because if you don’t, you might leap into a dangerous place,” she said.

Idowu ‘Mama Rainbow’ Philips says the film also places women at the centre of authority and resilience, challenging perceptions of limitation in society.

“In this story, position pass position, power pass power… when you watch Iyaloja, you’ll see that women are strong. Women are women,” she said, adding that the film encourages women not to limit themselves.

The film also introduces a central character, Teju, who is described as morally complex rather than traditionally heroic. Writer Nimi Adekanmbi said the character was written to avoid one-dimensional portrayals often seen in screen storytelling.

According to her, Teju moves between questionable decisions and moments of moral clarity, creating ambiguity around her role in the story.

“Teju is not like that. She does questionable things… is she the villain? Is she the hero? But at the end of the day, we are following her journey, and she has a change,” she said.

Producer Joy Odiete said the story was inspired by the everyday realities of market women, adding that the film seeks to reflect their struggles, resilience, and influence within society.

She noted that the project was developed in collaboration with ‘3 Cold Dishes’ director Asurf Oluseyi, with discussions around the story beginning shortly after the COVID-19 period.

Director Asurf Oluseyi revealed that ‘Iyaloja’ draws heavily from personal experience growing up in environments where markets were central to daily life. He said those experiences helped shape the film’s grounded approach to storytelling.

“You see family, husband, wife, and the kid coming from school. It’s just a beautiful setting where a lot of things can happen,” he said, adding that the film aims to humanise people often seen only as “market women”.

‘Iyaloja’ is written by Tonia Chukwura, Olumide Kuti, and Nimi Adekanmbi and executive produced by Jimmy Bomo Okoroh, Joy Odiete, Asurf Oluseyi, and Chris Odeh.

The film stars Kehinde Bankole, Iyabo Ojo, Fathia Williams, Jidekene Achufusi, Tina Mba, Idowu Philips, Ngozi Nwosu, Lina Idoko, Tope Olowoniyan, Wale Ojo, Nimi Adekanmbi, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, and Princess Umukoro.

‘Iyaloja’ is a production of Africa Technology Entertainment Hub (ATEH) and Blue Pictures Entertainment, and it is distributed by Blue Pictures Film Distribution.

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