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Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill a Monkey: The Gritty Crime Thriller Everyone’s Talking About

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Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill a Monkey: The Gritty Crime Thriller Everyone’s Talking About

… Why this Netflix original is setting a new standard for Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.

By  Femi Oyewale

When Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba set out to create To Kill a Monkey, she wasn’t just making another series—she was breaking her own mold. Known for the political grandeur of King of Boys, Adetiba pivots sharply in this eight-part Netflix crime drama, delivering a raw, emotionally charged, and socially relevant story that feels more like a confession than a spectacle.
And the world is watching.
 Inside the Plot: Morality Meets Survival
At the heart of To Kill a Monkey is Efemini, played with stunning intensity by William Benson, a principled man whose life spirals after financial ruin and heartbreak. He reconnects with Oboz-Da-Boss (Bucci Franklin), an old friend who now thrives in the dark world of cybercrime. What begins as a desperate attempt to rebuild quickly morphs into a moral abyss, as Efemini is forced to choose between survival and self.
Running parallel is the story of Mo, a tenacious cybercrime investigator battling PTSD, who becomes obsessed with solving “The Monkey Case.” As Mo digs deeper, the line between justice and personal vengeance begins to blur, creating a riveting tension that pulses throughout the series.
Adetiba’s storytelling resists clichés. Every episode tightens the noose, as the audience is pulled into a web of betrayal, trauma, crime, and consequence. It’s not about good vs evil—it’s about the cost of staying human in a world where everyone is for sale.
 The Cast: Career-Defining Performances
William Benson delivers a breakout performance. His portrayal of Efemini is painfully honest—fragile, angry, and terrifyingly relatable. Viewers have called it “a beastly performance” and “career-launching.”
Bucci Franklin as Oboz is all swagger and shadow. His charismatic menace makes him the kind of villain you can’t help but root for, and fear.
The cast is packed with Nollywood royalty: Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Chidi Mokeme, Lilian Afegbai, Teniola Aladese, Sunshine Rosman, and Michael Ejoor, all bringing fire and finesse to their roles.
Lilian Afegbai, who plays Idia, said in an interview, “I poured my soul into this role.” And it shows.
 Visual Style & Language: Real, Raw, Nigerian
Forget glossy sets and fancy cuts. To Kill a Monkey is visually lean and emotionally heavy. The cinematography is deliberate—quiet, intense, almost claustrophobic. Language is another star of the show. Urhobo, Bini, Pidgin, and English blend seamlessly, grounding the series in authentic Nigerian culture while still appealing to a global audience.
 Impact and Reception: A Creative Risk That Paid Off
When To Kill a Monkey dropped on Netflix on July 18, 2025, the reactions were instant and electric. Fans flooded social media with praise for the cast, especially Benson and Franklin. Critics hailed it as “Kemi Adetiba’s most daring work yet,” applauding her for trading grandeur for grit.
Adetiba herself described the series as “a crazy risk.” She stepped out of her comfort zone, stripped away her signature cinematic spectacle, and focused on human conflict, psychological tension, and cultural truth. And in doing so, she may have delivered the most powerful work of her career.
Why You Must Watch To Kill a Monkey
If you’re tired of predictable plots and characters with zero depth, To Kill a Monkey is the antidote. Here’s why:
It’s Bold: Tackles real issues—poverty, cybercrime, trauma, morality.
It’s Brilliantly Acted: Benson and Franklin are on fire.
Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill a Monkey: The Gritty Crime Thriller Everyone's Talking About

... Why this Netflix original is setting a new standard for Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.

By  Femi Oyewale
It’s Culturally Rich: Language, setting, and dialogue are unmistakably Nigerian.
It’s Emotionally Intelligent: No easy answers, just hard truths.
It’s Cinematic: Each episode feels like a short film—tight, beautiful, and haunting.
Final Word:A New Benchmark for Nollywood
To Kill a Monkey isn’t just a series—it’s a statement. It proves that Nigerian storytelling can be sophisticated, globally competitive, and emotionally complex without losing its cultural soul. Kemi Adetiba has raised the bar, and Nollywood is better for it.
So, if you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for?
Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill a Monkey: The Gritty Crime Thriller Everyone's Talking About

... Why this Netflix original is setting a new standard for Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.

By  Femi Oyewale

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Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

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Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

 

The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.

 

Under his dynamic leadership, Adron Homes has continued to expand its footprint, delivering value-driven residential solutions while empowering thousands of Nigerians with opportunities for home ownership. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained the driving force behind the company’s sustained growth and industry leadership.

 

The statement further highlighted Aare EmmanuelKing’s passion for nation-building and community development, noting his significant contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of socio-economic development through real estate investments.

 

“As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing has consistently inspired a culture of excellence, integrity, and dedication within the organization. His ability to turn bold ideas into reality continues to position Adron Homes as a trailblazer in the industry,” the statement read.

 

The company expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast leadership and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and sound health as he embarks on another year of impactful achievements.

 

As he celebrates his 51st birthday, the entire Adron Homes family proudly honours a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate in Nigeria.

 

Happy 51st Birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing!

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Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

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Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Taofik Afolabi 

 

The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.

 

Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.

 

The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.

 

Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.

 

In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.

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Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

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Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

 

Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.

From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta's Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);

Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);

 

Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;

 

Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;

Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.

Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.

The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.

” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.

To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.

Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.

The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.

The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’

Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.

” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.

The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.

Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.

” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.

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