Lessons from “Aramotu”

The movie depicts a lot of social-economic elements present in our society today. Aramotu (Idiat Sobande) represents a powerful woman. Yes, like today’s 21^st career woman active in the boardroom as well as the bedroom and kitchen. She is an epitome of beauty, brain and charisma. But the movie is not just about one woman, women liberation or a voice to project the importance of women empowerment.  You have to read between the lines and dissect every bit of it to get the full message.

 

As the plot unfolded, I began to compare Agesi Village to our present day Nigeria. Except, the movie is too deep to be seen as a satire. There is no difference between our greedy politicians today and the greedy and manipulative leaders, especially Chief Olookanda (Ayo Olabiyi) who was willing to do anything just to get the lands of his subjects and egoistic Iyalode (Ireti Osayemi) who was more concern about materialism than tackling the real issues affecting the women she claimed to represent.

It is no longer news that as Agesi Village was freed from the shackles of confused, greedy and manipulative leaders; Nigeria is also on its way to being free! Maybe we need an Aramotu to rise against the tradition and move our Nation selflessly to development. We do not just need women liberation; we need a collective human liberation.

 

Enough of the suffering and smiling- we must hold our leaders accountable to ensure they represent the interest of the people. And maybe sweep out all the corrupt and hypocritical leaders (at all levels) into exile. That part of the movie was very hilarious- the people used brooms and leaves to sweep out the greedy elders from Agesi Village.

Aramotu was a trader who traveled to other parts to sell her goods- it was through her experiences that she was able to dream and aspire for a better life for her village. She became a pillar of strength in her household and community. Yet she remained humble. The world is too round for each of us to just sit silently in a corner. Nigeria is a big country, if you have not started traveling yet, hope you take up the challenge- travel, broaden your horizon and allow yourselves to see and do more. The movie sure reminded us of the importance of traveling and interacting with others.

It is no surprise that Aramotu, produced by Yinka Kolapo, and directed by Niji Akanni, won the Best Nigerian Film and Best Costume Design at the just concluded African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The movie is epic. Right from the minute the movie started playing on the screen, I knew I was about to watch something exceptional. It was worth the N1,000 (N500 discount with my student ID) I paid at the Silverbird Cinema last weekend. If you have not seen it yet, please go and give yourself a treat and come back to share your experience! Even if you don't understand yoruba, you will be able to follow the story line via English subtitles, laugh at the rich humor in the movie and maybe shed some tears at the tragic-happy ending.