“Ewo – Forbidden”: Saidi Balogun Leads Yoruba Thriller Exploring Power, Love, and Cultural Tension

Veteran actor and filmmaker Saidi Balogun returns to the big screen with Ewo – Forbidden, a gripping new Yoruba-language thriller that hits Nigerian cinemas nationwide on July 18, 2025.

Directed by Ekene Som Mekwunye and co-produced by Saidi Balogun, Fuchi Nwaturuocha, and Riverside Productions, the film dives deep into the tension between personal choice and long-held cultural traditions. With a story grounded in themes of love, identity, and societal expectation, Ewo – Forbidden raises powerful questions about the cost of standing against a community’s established beliefs.

The plot follows Kunle (played by Demola Adedoyin), a young man whose appointment to a coveted leadership role in the fictional town of Ogbojo stirs resistance from the traditional council. But his real challenge begins when his romance with Adunni (played by Bimbo Ademoye) threatens to disrupt the town’s long-standing customs.

As cultural tensions rise and personal stakes escalate, the film navigates the complexities of love in the face of tradition. The ensemble cast includes Jaiye Kuti, Tina Mba, Moyo Lawal, Taiwo Hassan, Dele Odule, and Saidi Balogun himself, adding depth and dynamism to the narrative.

Ewo – Forbidden is distributed by Nile Entertainment, with production by Bukana Motion Pictures and Riverside Productions. With a compelling storyline and an ensemble of Nollywood’s finest, this film offers a powerful cinematic experience rooted in heritage, sacrifice, and identity.

Catch Ewo – Forbidden now showing in cinemas across Nigeria.