Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen 30 years celebration receives royal blessing from Esama of Benin, honouring his legacy in Edo and Nollywood cinema

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen 30 years celebration has received a royal endorsement from the Esama of Benin Kingdom, His Excellency Chief Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, marking a symbolic moment in honour of one of Africa’s most consistent filmmakers.

Also read: Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen earns Edo Governor’s praise

During a courtesy visit to his palatial residence in Okada, Benin City, the revered billionaire and cultural icon showered blessings on Lancelot, urging him to continue championing Edo heritage through cinema.

“As the gods of our ancestors are with you, continue to uphold what you have been doing. Make sure that the Edo language movie industry does not die,” Esama said warmly.

The Esama, who personifies the pride of Benin culture, emphasised his unwavering support for Lancelot’s artistic journey, declaring, “It is a commitment I’m giving to you.

I have always supported you and in this your celebration, you have all my support.”

As part of the two-week celebration tagged “DGuv at 30”, Lancelot will unveil a powerful memoir titled Trip in Motion on Thursday, 27 November 2025, at Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The book, written by award-winning poet and author Godson Osarenren, chronicles the filmmaker’s three-decade odyssey across Nollywood’s evolving landscape.

The event promises to be a high-octane affair graced by Nollywood icons, diplomats, politicians, industry leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, honouring the enduring contributions of the filmmaker.

Awards of appreciation will also be presented to individuals who have shaped his remarkable career, including the late Captain Hosa Okunbo, Senator Daisy Danjuma, and Sir Emmanuel Isikaku, who funded Lancelot’s first film in 1996.

The celebration kicks off on 15 November 2025 with a vibrant street casting across major Benin locations, culminating at the neighbourhood where the filmmaker grew up.

A special colloquium in Benin will also unveil the Oduwa Imasuen Lancelot (OIL) Foundation, an initiative designed to revive dramatic and film clubs across Edo schools a visionary step toward grooming the next generation of creative talent.

Also read: D Prince Builders backs Lancelot Imasuen’s 30-year celebration

With Esama’s royal blessing and decades of artistic excellence behind him, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen continues to embody the spirit of Edo pride, resilience, and cinematic brilliance a legacy that will long outlive the reel.