Oversabi Aunty is a Nollywood dramedy directed by and starring Toyin Abraham. The film features an impressive cast including Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Mike Ezuruonye, Ngozi Ezeonu, Queen Nwokoye, Ozain Ibadan, Sanusi Izihaq, Tana Adelana, and Toyin Afolayan, among others.

Synopsis

Toun is a self-righteous church usher whose obsession with correcting others turns her family life into a moral minefield. Her excessive religiosity reaches a breaking point during a chaotic wedding introduction, forcing her to confront the consequences of her actions. Oversabi Aunty is a witty dramedy that explores faith, family, and the thin line between devotion and delusion.

More Than Comedy

Before heading to the cinema, expectations were that Oversabi Aunty would fall within the familiar comedic territory of Toyin Abraham’s earlier works such as Alakada. However, the film offers more than laughs. Beyond its humour and drama, it delivers emotionally charged moments wrapped in chaos. The movie is also heavy on traditional displays and rich in cultural representation, adding depth to its storytelling.

Oversabi Aunty: A Fusion of Cultures

A major highlight of the film is a wedding that brings together Yoruba and Igbo families. Nollywood continues to spotlight inter-ethnic unions, and Oversabi Aunty follows this trend with a visually striking ceremony. The costumes alone—yellow wrappers, white bubas, and bold red geles worn by the Igbo family—suggest a high production budget and careful attention to detail.

At moments, the wedding scene feels like a cultural clash, heightening the drama promised by the film. That said, while the owanbe setting is colourful and lively, it is a familiar Nollywood staple and no longer feels particularly groundbreaking. Given Nigeria’s sensitive socio-political climate following the 2023 general elections, filmmakers are encouraged to handle cultural portrayals with care.

The Religious Angle

The film is layered with life lessons that highlight human hypocrisy. Toyin Abraham’s character, Oversabi Aunty, presents herself as morally superior, policing the behaviour of others—especially fellow church members—while failing to manage her own household. Ironically, while she condemns indecent dressing, her daughter secretly frequents nightclubs and sneaks a boyfriend into the house. This contrast effectively underscores the film’s central message about self-righteousness and accountability.

Strong Performances

Toyin Abraham and Mike Ezuruonye deliver standout performances. Their acting is expressive, natural, and well-suited to their roles. Casting Mike Ezuruonye in a comic role might have raised eyebrows, but he exceeded expectations, especially with his humorous Yoruba delivered in an Igbo accent. Toyin Abraham’s attempts at speaking Igbo were equally entertaining.

Enioluwa Adeoluwa also deserves praise for convincingly shedding his playful public image to deliver a serious and grounded performance.

A Solid Family Pick This Christmas

Oversabi Aunty is a great option for families looking to enjoy a festive cinema outing. It blends laughter, emotion, drama, and light action into an engaging experience. Despite its quality, the film seems to be flying under the radar and deserves more attention.

Rating: 7.5/10