Nollywood Iyabo Ojo’s Labake Olododo has shattered expectations, grossing over N200 million at the Nigerian box office within weeks of its March 2025 release, making it the second Nollywood film of the year to hit this milestone. This achievement not only cements Iyabo Ojo’s status as a powerhouse in the industry but also shows the growing dominance of female-led productions in Nigerian cinema.
According to data from the box office Nigeria, the film grossed N202.3 million within three weeks of its release, maintaining the top spot at the Nigerian box office during the weekend with an additional N24.4 million in ticket sales.
Directed by Biodun Stephen and distributed by FilmOne Group, Labake Olododo is a gripping tale rooted in Yoruba culture, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and leadership. The film follows the journey of Labake, a courageous woman navigating societal expectations and personal sacrifices, portrayed with commanding depth by Ojo herself.
Boasting a stellar ensemble cast—including Tayo Faniran, Muyiwa Ademola, Scarlet Gomez, Ibrahim Chatta, Bimbo Akintola, and veterans like Fathia Balogun and Ayo Mogaji—the movie blends seasoned talent with rising stars, delivering performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
The film’s box office journey has been nothing short of spectacular. It debuted with a record-breaking N50.4 million opening weekend, securing the second-biggest Nollywood opening of 2025. By its second week, it had amassed N172.5 million, and just days later, it crossed the N200 million mark, a feat celebrated by Ojo and fans alike. “We’re rewriting the rule book,” Ojo declared on social media, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from Nigerian moviegoers. Posts on X echoed this excitement, with FilmOne announcing the film’s three-week reign at the top of the charts, grossing N202 million and counting.
Labake Olododo’s success is part of a broader trend in Nollywood, where female filmmakers and producers are redefining the industry’s commercial landscape.
Last year, Eniola Ajao’s Ajakaju: Beasts of Two Worlds crossed N200 million, while Wumi Toriola’s Queen Lateefah soared to N350 million, setting new benchmarks for female-led projects. Ojo’s film builds on this momentum, proving that stories centered on strong, culturally rich narratives can captivate audiences and dominate ticket sales.
Beyond its financial triumph, Labake Olododo is a cultural milestone. Its authentic portrayal of Yoruba traditions, coupled with high production quality, has drawn praise for elevating indigenous storytelling. The film’s premiere at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX Lekki on March 23 was a spectacle, with Ojo making a dramatic entrance on horseback, embodying her warrior queen character.
For Ojo, a Nollywood veteran with over two decades of experience, Labake Olododo marks her boldest venture yet. As both lead actress and co-executive producer, she has poured her passion into a project she describes as a “long-time dream.” Her collaboration with Stephen and a robust production team, including Fespris Production and Alaba Ultimate, has paid off, delivering a film that balances emotional depth with cinematic grandeur.
As Labake Olododo continues to draw crowds nationwide, its impact extends beyond the box office. It’s a testament to Nollywood’s evolving ability to produce globally competitive films that resonate locally. With whispers of award nominations already circulating, the film is poised to leave an enduring mark on 2025’s cinematic landscape.
