Oloture: The Journey Review – Unveiling Nigerian Sex Trafficking

Oloture: The Journey follows a young journalist who goes undercover as a sex worker in Nigeria, aiming to uncover corruption. Her perilous quest for justice becomes a fight for survival as she navigates the dangerous path to Europe. Produced by EbonyLife Studios and helmed by Kenneth Gyang, this series follows in the footsteps of EbonyLife’s previous Netflix hit, Wrath & Revenge. It continues the studio’s successful collaborations with Netflix, known for groundbreaking series like the acclaimed Blood Sisters. Netflix’s first Nigerian Original Series, captivated audiences worldwide.

Plot

Following Oloture’s attempted escape and Linda’s death, Tony’s camp was thrown into turmoil. He didn’t hesitate to threaten Alero for causing him to lose two girls. Additionally, after Emeka assaulted Sir Philips, Sir Philips obtained Oloture’s journal. Upon reading it, he became disillusioned with Alero and ordered Tony to make her disappear.

Meanwhile, Oloture faced further challenges on her journey to Europe. She and the other girls encountered Silver Blades’ men, resulting in the death of all the girls except Oloture and Peju. As they struggled to survive, they crossed paths with Ben and Andrew, who became integral to their journey. Oloture realised she was alone in her pursuit of the ultimate story after Mr. Theo expressed reluctance due to threats he received.

Meanwhile, Ade, Silver Blades’ hitman, continued to threaten Tony, becoming a growing problem. Tony decided to eliminate him and ordered Chucks to take action in exchange for replacing Alero. Meanwhile, Beauty, Linda’s sister, managed to escape and returned to Benin. Unfortunately, she discovered her house burned down with her mother apparently inside. With no other options, she returned to Lagos seeking refuge with the girls but was rejected. However, Chucks intervenes and plunges her back into street life.

Oloture persists on her journey despite Mr. Theo’s abandonment. She encounters challenges as numerous as the stars in the sky, but with the support of Ben and Peju, navigating them becomes somewhat more manageable.

Oloture: The Journey Cast

One standout aspect of Oloture was its intriguing and carefully chosen cast, featuring Sharon Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Beverly Osu, Daniel Etim Effiong, and Ikechukwu Onunaku. The introduction of new talents like Stan Nze as Ben injected contagious joy into the early stages of the journey. However, as the storyline intensified with loss and uncertainty, maintaining that joy became increasingly challenging. 

Amarachukwu Onoh’s portrayal of Andrew was pivotal during his tenure in the series. Additionally, Bucci Franklin’s depiction of Ade added significant depth, even though his character’s demise seemed too swift for someone initially portrayed with reverence.

Language

‘Oloture: The Journey’ was predominantly spoken in Pidgin English, with occasional use of Yoruba, Bini, French, and Ghanaian slang throughout the film.

Summary

Being a film centred on moral lessons and the unspoken suffering of girls on the streets, ‘Oloture: The Journey’ successfully portrayed these themes graphically. It provided a glimpse into the harsh realities of these women’s lives and depicted the gruelling nature of travelling by road to another country, challenging the notion that it’s an easy endeavour.

One commendable aspect was the cinematography and videography, which beautifully captured the scenes and locations. Notably, the desert scene was meticulously executed, showcasing significant effort. The attention to detail in costumes and makeup also deserves recognition.

However, the plot of ‘Oloture: The Journey’ felt disjointed at times, with numerous events occurring that made it difficult to track the timeline. Fortunately, good continuity helped alleviate this issue, making the viewing experience less stressful.

Additionally, while the motivation behind the characters’ desire to leave their current situation and seek a better life in another country was understandable, Oloture’s relentless pursuit seemed almost implausible. Despite multiple opportunities to return home, she persisted in her quest to reach Europe for reasons that lacked sufficient depth.

Despite its flaws, the mini-series remained an educational narrative that effectively delved into the grim realities and hidden narratives.