Netflix’s Anikulapo Cast And Characters Guide

Kunle Afolayan, the creator of the “Anikulapo” franchise, had likened his Nigerian epic fantasy lore to “Game of Thrones” while speaking about the scope and ambition. While the scale of the narrative might not reach such heights, the production design and characterization reflect the positive intent of the makers. The second season of the “Anikulapo” series, titled “A Ghoul Awakens,” has recently premiered on Netflix, and the cliffhanger ending has made it pretty clear that the creators are attempting expansive world-building that will go beyond tribal civil wars and will try to tap into the nation’s colonial past while exploring Nigerian cultural and spiritual identity. For that to happen, key characters and their motives, desires, and ideologies will prove to be pivotal in the continuation of the franchise. 

Arolake Played by Bimbo Ademoye

Nigerian actor Bimbo Ademoye is a renowned face in the Nollywood industry, having acted in close to seventy movies over the course of her decade-long career. Some of Ademoye’s notable performances include “Gone,” “It’s About Your Husband,” “Backup Wife,” “Selina,” “Light in the Dark,” “Sugar Rush,” “Ayinla,” “Suky,” etc. In the series, Ademoye has reprised her role of Arolake from the original movie, and has brilliantly captured the former Oyo queen’s growth through her nuanced performance. Starting her journey as a neglected queen who didn’t have much agency over her own life, Arolake took it upon herself to turn the proverbial wheel of fortune by getting entangled with spiritual entities time and time again. Suffering and loss have made Arolake humble, and in the second season of “Anikulapo,” she has given up her dependency on divine miracle to reshape her fate by her own merit. Due to her sordid past experiences of being betrayed, neglected, and replaced by the men she fell for, Arolake can’t shake off her insecurities, as seen in the way she fears losing Akin. In the previous chapters of “Anikulapo,” Ademoye portrayed a much more confident, independent, and somewhat selfish version of Arolake, a far cry from the character’s present state, where she is ready to trade any prospect of materialistic allure in exchange for a peaceful life with her family. By the end of the second season, Arolake is unfortunately back to square one, as she has to return to Oyo once again to rescue her young son, who was kidnapped by an undercover spy sent by the Oyo kingdom. It remains to be seen where life takes Arolake and her family in the upcoming chapter of “Anikulapo”; hopefully there will be a happy ending for them. 

Awarun is played by Sola Sobowale

Nigerian actor, producer, and director Sola Sobowale’s showbiz career spans over three decades, and some of her notable acting roles include “Outkast,” “Family on Fire,” “King of Boys,” “Shadow Parties,” “Beast of Two Worlds,” “Owambe Thieves,” etc. In the series, Sola reprised her role of shrewd, no-nonsense businesswoman Awarun from the original movie. Awarun’s journey appears to be almost the exact opposite to Arolake’s; unlike the youngest Oyo princess, who grew to become a kind, humble figure through her experiences, Awarun has become ruthless, controlling, and self-serving and no longer has any moral compass. By helping ivory sellers and colonizer slave traders to expand their business through her network, Awarun has shown she prioritizes profit over anything else. Perhaps years of surviving amongst corrupt men who wanted to undermine her or wrestle control away from her have finally broken Awarun, and she no longer cares about ethical scruples. As is the case with Ademoye’s performance as Arolake, Sola’s portrayal of Awarun in different stages of her life highlights her range. Sooner or later, Awarun and Arolake will cross paths again, and it’s going to go quite differently compared to their heartfelt interaction during the final moments of the first season.

Bashorun Played by Owobo Ogunde

Son of prolific Nigerian playwright and actor Hubert Ogunde, who is known as the father of Nigerian theater, Owobo Ogunde has carried the legacy of his father by gaining acclaim for theatrical adaptations of “Ayanmo,” “Jaiyesimi,” “Things Fall Apart,” etc. After a prolonged hiatus from acting, Owobo made his debut in Nollywood with the first season of “Anikulapo,” where he portrayed the role of scrupulous Oyo general Bashorun. A power-hungry, feckless, cunning general who wanted to assume control over death, Bashorun received a fitting punishment while trying to escape Afterlife. Bashorun’s transformation as a ghoul who needs to consume life essence from others to survive is a reflection of how his soul was bereft of humanity during his lifetime. In his present form as an undead ghoul, Bashorun didn’t have much space in the narrative, but his action of attacking Oyo crown prince Aderoju had a significant impact, which once again tied Arolake with the inescapable shackles of the Oyo kingdom. 

Miscellaneous Characters 

Aside from the leads, “Anikulapo” features an ensemble of talented supporting actors. Taiwo Hassan reprised his role as Oyo king Alaafin, and Gabriel Afolayan played the role of Arolake’s husband, Akin. Adeoluwa Okusaga played the role of Oyo crown prince, Aderoju, and Eyiyemi Afolayan reprised the role of Oyo princess, Omowunmi. 

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