‘Weaving Loom,’ a finalist for the 2008 Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature, explores themes of sibling rivalry, wife inheritance, widowhood dispossession, cultural and religious conflicts, and conflicts between traditional and modern healing methods.
The story is set in Eleyin, a fictional town where the weaving of traditional Aso Oke is a source of livelihood and industry.
The film will be directed by Niji Akanni, an accomplished filmmaker with an extensive portfolio of successful works. The adaptation promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, with a storyline that will captivate and inspire viewers.
The conflict in the story arises from the death of Chief Bature, the owner of the looms. Bature involves his sons Matthew and Peter in the loom business, while his eldest son, Cletus, is sent to acquire the skills that will transform the weaving looms into a modern-day factory. However, the father unknowingly creates a sense of rivalry, which erupts after his death.
The conflict intensifies when Chief Bature, a member of the Ogboni cult, is taken to the hospital, against the cult’s wishes. He dies, and the Ogboni demand severe punishment for the sons, who allowed their father to die in the hospital. The situation culminates in a major crisis, with the sons attempting to bury their father without completing the necessary rites.
Josiah Bature’s youngest wife, Arike, faces the dilemma of living without her husband and dealing with her hostile mother-in-law. She learns that she must be inherited by her husband’s elder brother, Kasali, while the family quarrels over the rightful ownership of the weaving looms.
As the story progresses, social vices such as wife inheritance, traditional healing methods, and cultural conflicts are explored in detail. The film promises to shed light on these important issues and raise awareness.
“Weaving Loom” is a story that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, traditions, and cultures. The film adaptation is sure to be a cinematic triumph, with a compelling narrative and brilliant performances by the cast.
Niji Akanni is an award-winning filmmaker who has made a name for himself in the industry with his unique storytelling style and visual artistry. He is sure to bring his vast experience and creativity to the project, delivering a masterpiece that will be celebrated for years to come.
“Weaving Loom” is a story that needs to be told, and the film adaptation promises to do justice to the original work. We look forward to the release of this cinematic gem and the impact it will have on viewers worldwide.
Dr. Wale Okediran served as a Member of the Nigerian Federal House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007,contributing to advocacy, regional dialogue and policy development, leading to improvements in health across Africa. He has consulted for several international and local development agencies such as Constella Futures International USA, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, USIS, UNAIDS, NPHCDA, NACA, UNICEF, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, and Action Aid.
Dr. Okediran has published till date, fourteen novels, many of which are on the reading lists of a number of Nigerian universities. His highly acclaimed novel, Tenants of the House, which is a fictional account of his years in the House of Representatives was the 2011 Co-Winner of the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature. A film adaptation of the novel has just been completed and will be ready for premiering shortly.
Dr. Okediran in 2010 established the first Writers Residency in Nigeria, the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State. This is an initiative that is building and motivating teams of writers across Africa and the world at large.
Dr. Okediran is a Fellow of the General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria and Fellow of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, and a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors, prior to serving as its National President between 2006 and 2009. Dr. Okediran is currently the Deputy Secretary-General (Africa) for the Union of Writers from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Dr. Okediran holds BSc (Hons) 1977, MB, ChB 1980 from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). In view of his prowess in the field of sports where he variously represented his University and Oyo State, Dr. Okediran was awarded a university scholarship for sports between 1977 and 1980 at the University of Ife.
Credit: Wole Adedoyin
