Joshua Ojo, the producer of an upcoming biopic on Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, has opened up about a harrowing accident that nearly derailed the film just days before shooting began.
Ojo announced the production of the biopic in April, highlighting the extraordinary life of Soyinka, from his formative years to his profound literary contributions and activism. The film, featuring a talented cast including Lateef Adedimeji, Ibrahim Chatta, Bimbo Oshin, and Jide Kosoko, is set to premiere in cinemas on November 8.
However, the journey to bring this project to life took a dramatic turn when Ojo was involved in a severe car accident just days before filming commenced. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he recounted the shocking incident, describing how he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while returning to his hotel in Ibadan. “I didn’t see the car coming,” he wrote. “It dragged me for a few seconds, and when the driver finally stopped, he reversed and hit my leg again before speeding off.”
The aftermath of the accident was devastating. Ojo revealed that his leg swelled to five times its normal size, leading to an emergency surgery that left him with multiple metal implants. He spent nearly two months in and out of the hospital, unable to walk for over a year. “I had a timetable: shoot for two days, rush back to the hospital, and return to filming the next day. We filmed for more than 50 days under these circumstances,” he shared.
Despite the pain and challenges, Ojo expressed immense gratitude for the support he received. He fondly recalled a visit to Soyinka, where the esteemed playwright told him, “I’m proud of you.” Ojo also thanked his family, cast, crew, and even the driver whose actions led to his ordeal, referring to them as “special angels” during his recovery.
Now, as the release date approaches, Ojo’s near-death experience has become a testament to resilience and determination. “God gave me a second chance to live,” he said, emphasizing his gratitude for every moment that led him to complete the Soyinka Biopic.
