According to history in 1754, Ga’a became the Bashorun of Oyo, a position he inherited from the notable Bashorun Yau Yamba. He was highly admired by the people for his numerous victories in battle and for protecting them from the tyrannical rule of the kings.
Ga’a was known for his strong medicinal powers and charms. However, he sought to concentrate all the power and authority of Oyo in his hands. He collected all tributes and appointed his relatives as Ajeles to manage the provinces.
During the reigns of five successive Alaafins, Ga’a served as Bashorun and played a crucial role in their military successes. Known for his expertise in juju, Ga’a was responsible for deposing or killing four of these Alaafins before being overthrown by Alaafin Abiodun (who reigned around 1774–1789) through trickery and betrayal by Ga’a’s own generals.
The film House of Ga’a tells the story of Bashorun Ga’a, whose insatiable desire for power and control led to his downfall. The film, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, is narrated through the eyes of Ga’a’s son, Oyemekun(played by Mike Afolarin)
In the film, Bashorun Ga’a (played by Femi Branch) is portrayed as the most feared and respected warrior in the entire Oyo empire. Despite having beautiful wives and a large family, Ga’a wasn’t content. He wanted more than just to be a warrior, a goal he pursued through ruthless killings.
Since he couldn’t claim the throne, Ga’a positioned himself as the kingmaker and kingbreaker, ensuring that anyone who sat on the throne paid homage to him. Whenever his demands grew too excessive, threatening the throne’s power, Ga’a quickly eliminated the opposing kings.
This cycle continued until Ga’a’s wickedness and cruelty caught up with him. At the end of the film, the power-hungry warrior is burned at the stake, while the villagers watch in disgust and hatred.
Witchcraft and sorcery in House of Ga’a
Before the arrival of missionaries and the advent of Christianity, wars between empires were common. Villages often fought to expand their territories and capture slaves, either to sell or to use as servants in the homes of the elite, as depicted in the opening scene of the movie with the war against the Nupe Tribes.
In those times, only the strongest and bravest survived these wars, often using charms as part of their daily rituals to ward off evil spells from enemies.
At the beginning of the film, after the Nupe war, Bashorun Ga’a is summoned by his witch doctor, Sasa L’eniyan (played by Ibrahim Chatta). A ritual is performed to ensure that Ga’a’s every command is obeyed by the people of Oyo. Ga’a is transformed into a deity, feared and obeyed by all. After the ritual, the Oyomesi, the kingmakers, gather to crown the next Alaafin. However, Ga’a objects to the coronation due to a past feud, and the rest of the Oyomesi agree with him.
This sets the stage for Ga’a’s dominance over the Oyo Empire, with the Alaafin merely serving as a puppet at Ga’a’s beck and call.
After convincing the Oyomesi to turn against Alaafin Labisi (played by Kunle Coker). Labisi is forced to commit suicide, and a new Alaafin, Awonbioju (played by Muyiwa Ademola), is crowned.
King Awonbioju accepts Ga’a’s terms before ascending the throne. However, a few months into his reign, Ga’a demands that King Awonbioju prostrate before him. When the king refuses, he is found dead from a snake bite—an incident attributed to Ga’a’s dark powers.
Following Awonbioju’s death, King Agboluaje (played by Gbenga Titiloye) ascends the throne but doesn’t last long. The next Alaafin, Majeogbe (played by Dele Odule), fortifies himself with dark powers to protect himself against Ga’a. Despite warnings from his witch doctor, Sasa, about a spell protecting Majeogbe, Ga’a insists on using a more potent spell against him.
While Majeogbe dies,Ga’a’s actions leave him crippled, unable to move his hands and legs. He remains in this state for several months while Sasa searches for a solution. The solution is a ritual that requires a human sacrifice, leading to the killing of Princess Agbonyin (played by Bridget Nkem). This act sparks an uprising against Ga’a, ultimately leading to his demise.
The use of witchcraft and sorcery in the film portrays a very huge aspect of the Yourba culture. The portrayal of these mystical elements highlights the deep-rooted beliefs and practices in the society, illustrating how spiritual powers were perceived to influence everyday life and political dynamics.
The film reflects the traditional reverence for and fear of supernatural forces, showcasing how such beliefs played a pivotal role in shaping the actions and destinies of individuals and leaders in Yoruba history. Through House of Ga’a, the complex relationship between power, spirituality, and cultural traditions in the Yoruba empire is vividly brought to life.
The cast list also includes Mike Afolarin,Other members of the cast list include Tosin Adeyemi, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Jide Oyegbile, Teddy A., Olayode Juliana, Atobiloye Kelvin, Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan and others.
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