Mercy Johnson’s ‘The Legend of Inikpi’ hits cinemas on Jan 24

‘The Legend of Inikpi‘, Mercy Johnson’s long-anticipated movie, would be available for viewing in Nigeria and Ghanaian cinemas on January 24.

The film, which doubles as her first produced full-length feature, would premiere on January 19.

Set in the ancient Kingdoms of Igala and Bini, the movie follows the true story of two kingdoms.

In ‘The Legend of Inikpi’, ‘Inikpi Oma Ufedo Baba’, a revered Igala princess, chooses to give her life for the freedom of her homeland at the brink of war with another land.

As her kingdom grapples with imminent doom, an oracle had informed the king that human sacrifice is demanded by their deity in a move which plunges the monarch into despair.

However, haunted by the ghosts of his past, the sacrifice was a price he wasn’t prepared to pay.

Speaking on the movie, Mercy Johnson said, “I’ve been called to tell Nigerian stories. From the feedback we have so far, people are ready to know more about our culture and our past. It’s an honour.”

‘Legend of Inikpi’ stars Johnson as Queen Omele, Sam Dede as Attah Ayegba (Igala king), Paul Obazele as Oba Esigie of the Bini Kingdom and Odunlade Adekola as Prince Attah Ayegba.

Others are Saidi Balogun, who plays the Oracle of Igala kingdom, with the newcomer Nancy Ameh as the titular Princess Inikpi.

‘The Legend of Inikpi’ is directed by Frank Rajah.