‘Eye Of The Gods’ – A Leadership Gone Rogue

Eye Of The Gods is a traditional Nigerian movie, exposing a leader’s descent into tyranny. Princess Ekenma played by Stephanie Okereke is entrusted with the task of listening to the spirit world and interceding on behalf of her community. Anything that could harm the community, she is to intercept and address the gods for her people.

Stephanie Okereke as Princess Ekenma was a good fit. Her towering height suited the high profile of her character, in the village. Though in close-ups, she exaggerated some of her facial expressions. The refreshing departure of this movie is that Stephanie Okereke deviated from her customary romantic lead, in Nigerian movies. One unclear part of Okereke’s character was the origin of Princess Ekenma’s office. The history of Ekenma’s position would have given us a better understanding of the interdictions that came with her position.

Ini edo as Uloma was excellent. The portrayal of her disability stands out. She is a very natural actress who can seamlessly go from modern to traditional African movie settings. Her character was very perceptive and gave momentum to the storyline. You were alert for what would happen next, whenever her character spoke.

From the onset, Edo’s character establishes that she is not intimidated by authority. As a matter of fact, the world needs more citizens like Uloma, to keep leaders accountable to the people who trust them to make decisions for the greater good.

Olu Jacobs played Agumba, the intermediary between the people and Princess Ekenma. He beholds first-hand the beginning of Ekenma’s deviations. His character reminded me of how our hands are tied when leaders insist on covering their crimes at the expense of their people. And, Agumba places too much trust in authority to do the right thing, instead of acting on his instincts that something is terribly wrong and must be addressed before their irreversible consequences.

The film chronicles a descent into the abuse of power, with the viewpoints of various affected individuals. From the entourage of the despot, covering up for the leader to the dissidents, who are punished for attempting to expose decayed leadership. Eye Of The Gods is a village allegory mandating that leaders remain accountable to the people, to guard against destructive self-interests.