Power is rarely handed over freely, and in Kabiyesi, it comes at a cost. Now five episodes in, this gripping Showmax original takes viewers deep into a world of tradition, personal ambition, and the ruthless struggle for power.
Inspired by the reign of Orompoto, the only female Alaafin of Oyo in the 16th century, Kabiyesi brings history to life in an unmissable drama filled with betrayal, resilience, and high-stakes intrigue.
Centred around Princess Aderiyife (Annetta Adebusuyi), Kabiyesi follows her journey and how her world shatters when chaos erupts in the palace on her wedding day. Adetoro (Olajide Ibitoye), once betrothed to Princess Aderiyife before their union was called off so she could marry Prince Obabamiji (Amokun Ibrahim) for the prosperity of the land, later transforms into an angry, power-hungry usurper.
Fuelled by ambition, he kills the king and seizes the throne, but the people of Oyo-Ile reject his rule. As unrest spreads across the kingdom, the chiefs secretly conspire to undermine his reign before it even begins.
Despite these odds, Adetoro fights tooth and nail to seize power, but his path is further complicated when he forces himself on Modade (Olanrewaju Ayanwale), the wife of Prince Adebamgbe (Akeem Ogara), Aderiyife’s brother, leaving her pregnant.
After publicly assaulting her and murdering her husband, he is now compelled to marry her—not just because she carries the only child he will ever have, but also because the chiefs have declared that he has to take a wife to begin his path to the throne. With Modade’s pregnancy aligning with this decree, his ruthless pursuit of power becomes even more entangled in fate.
Meanwhile, Princess Aderiyife, determined to avenge the death of her father, Oba Adegoke (Akin Lewis), and brother, Prince Adebamgbe, flees with her mother, Queen Adelewa (Oluwakemi Oladeojo) seeking refuge with Obabamiji (Amokun Ibrahim)—her suitor—before their wedding was disrupted.
Willing to do whatever it takes to protect her, Obabamiji shelters her in his town, Igboho. However, their presence soon becomes a threat to the town’s safety, forcing the king to banish them. Now fugitives with nowhere to turn, and with Adetoro tightening his grip on power, Aderiyife’s path to reclaiming her birthright has never been more perilous.
Determined to take revenge and reclaim her birthright, Aderiyife urges Obabamiji to train her in combat and hunting. Though he initially refuses, her relentless persistence and unwavering resolve eventually win him over. With each lesson, she hones her skills not just to defend herself and her mother, but to one day stand against Adetoro and fight for what is rightfully hers.
Amidst the bloodshed and political intrigue, Queen Adelewa holds the kingdom’s greatest secret—she is pregnant with the late king’s child. Can this unborn child play a significant role and become an obstacle to Adetoro’s ambitions?
As power struggles rage on and hidden alliances come to light, will Queen Adelewa overcome the trials of her pregnancy and bring forth the rightful heir? And what deeper role does Bashorun play in Adetoro’s bloody ascent? The battle for Oyo-Ile is far from over.
Richly steeped in Yoruba culture, Kabiyesi is not just a historical drama; it’s a gripping saga of power, betrayal, and survival. The storytelling and performances are intense, stellar, and every episode leaves you yearning for more.
With Showmax’s Shikini Season, you can catch this thrilling tale for as low as ₦1,000.
