The movie “Jagun jagun” which is interpreted in English as the “warrior”, tells a tale of power, love, betrayal, and ambition, set in a time when warriors were revered.
The story centres on Ogundiji, a warlord who is feared and respected by many. However, Ogundiji begins to feel threatened by a young warrior named Gbotija. Gbotija is strong and skilled, and Ogundiji fears that he may one day become more powerful than him.
Ogundiji has a school of warriors, where he trains people, especially energetic and strong men who yearn power and charm to fight battles— so as to basically defend their villages, and loved ones.
Gbotija, a God gifted natural born warrior, who has the power of commanding trees; who knows the names of all the trees created by ‘Olodumare’ (God)—in his quest to seek vengeance over the death of his father, and villagers, who were painfully massacred, joined in ogundiji’s training. Gbotija, made it known to Gbogunmi, another skilful warrior when they spoke.
Mere words, wouldn’t be able to delineate how intriguing, amazing and fascinating, the movie is. Well, here are the major lessons learnt from the movie’ Jagun jagun:
In the words of our Ancestors, they said, “The friends of today may be the enemies of tomorrow.” Well, that is the fate of Gbogunmi and Gbotija. Gbogunmi became a Friend to Gbotija. Their bond became strong which made Gbotija refer to Gbogunmi as his father. They become enemies the very day ogundiji put Gbotija to a fighting test with Gbogunmi. Hmm. Fate can be disgusting at times!
Also, as humans we should be bold and courageous. Gbotija was bold when it was obvious that he will greatly be punished. His first display of boldness came when Iroyinkintan gave the warrior a small portion of food asking two people to pair one each.
Gbotija made it known to the maids that it can’t be possible. He said he was not scared of Iroyinkintan and he can tell her everything he said if she challenges him. Gbotija was not scared of challenging a corrupt system. He was ready and willing to change every corrupt leader and system. He was not ready to be quiet.
Furthermore, do not use other people’s children for evil. Taking Ogundiji and Iroyinkintan as an instance, when Agemo was sent to kill Gbotija, Gbotija asked the spirit of the trees to come to his aid( To fight for him) In the process, a tree injured Agemo. Gbotija took a bold step to unveil the masked agemo.
Lo and behold! Gbotija discovered that his lover( Iroyinkintan) was the masked agemo. Iroyinkintan gave her last words to Gbotija. She made him know about her family background and how Ogundiji is not her father. She told Gbotija how Ogundiji invaded their village (Oniyo village) and killed both the young and old. In the process of killing the villagers, he saw Iroyinkintan and he captured her.
Since that day, Oladiji has been using Iroyinkintan as the masked Agemo who goes about killing people. Iroyinkintan can’t help it. This is because whenever Ogundiji summons her spirit, she becomes unconscious. Ogundiji made her a message of death who kills innocent people. Ogundiji sent his only son far away from the kingdom and he kept using people’s children for his evil act.
The killing of Aje worshippers was pathetic at the same time, it is related to the terrorist attack on St Francis Catholic Church,owo. This happened on the 5th of June 2021 when a lot of Christian worshipers were killed living several were injured. Aje worshippers in the movie Jagunjagun were in a celebration mode till Gbotija was sent by Oladigi to murder the resident of the village. The worshippers killed on the 5th of June were also innocent and were observing their usual Sunday service when they were attacked.
Just as the old Latin saying goes: “The wicked may prosper for a time, but the righteous will always prevail. Those who do evil will eventually be brought to justice.”
“Evil is like a weed. If you don’t pull it out by the roots, it will keep coming back. Those who do evil will eventually destroy themselves and everyone around them.”
The movie may be bloody but it teaches a lot of morals, politics, educational and social values. It’s a movie recommended for everyone to see.
– Kayode Majemuanu Triumphant.
Mass Communication Department,
Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Kogi State.
