Meet 3 ‘Koto Aye’ Casts Who Remain In The Yorùbá Movie Industry Tiil Date

The Koto Aye movie was a narrative about coven of witches inhabiting a village who do their worst to any indigene who cross their paths or needs some nurturing, according to their own ways. This blockbusting 1989 movie was released by Yekini Ajileye who bowed out in 2006 after losing wife to an unknown illness.

Sadly, most of the characters of the movie are either dead now or retired. But there are few talented ones whose current appearances on screen is cherished as they keep entertaining us with that unique touch of character we once attached to them. Just below, I will list out their names and their notable contributions to the Yoruba movie industry.

1. Iya Gbonko:

Yes! The witch mistress, often referred to as the highest ranked Witch in the hierarchy, fictionally set up to entice the viewers. Just like most of her movies, Iya Gbonko would often serve as the Chief Judge, playing both the Executive and Judicial arm of their diabolic government.

She's the one who would approve the deserved punishment for any trespassers who must have spoken ill of any of the coven members.

Interestingly, Iya Gbonko despite her age keeps showing up in new movies in the Yoruba settings as she does her best in contemporary movies with great actors who want her on screen. Odunlade Adekola has featured her in his movies times without number as he's aware of the value she can offer.

2. Abija Wara:

All thanks to Abija Wara, a powerful Warlord who would always free victims of these witches from bondage after a tough battle with the them, but somehow he often triumphed over them. Abija wouldn't have done this alone without the assistance of his Ghomhid, identified as Ajan.

When the fight gets tough, Abija would receive a voice from this ghomhid who would recite powerful incantations that will eventually conquer Abija adversaries.

From the 90s, down to this moment, Abija has remained relevant even after the trend of Kòto Aye, Abija has appeared in numerous Yoruba movies playing the role of a sovereign herbalist with effective charms even in the absence of Ajan, his Ghomhid. Abija Wara has been known by Yoruba movie lovers as effective warlord, and his presence in movies terrifies the enemies.

3. Abeni Agbon:

Say hi to Iya Gbonko's deputy. Abeni Agbon is yet another thrilling character from the old Kòto Aye movie, whose parts cannot be underestimated as she often tops second in rank to the leader. Abeni Agbon would always have cases to report to the coven as due punishment would instantly be meted out to the unfortunate victim.

Nevertheless, Abeni Agbon has remained one of the most used characters from the Kòto Aye film by Ajileye. Even though she does switch characters now, she would often play the role of Iyaloja in most films that involve Kingship, chiefs and prominent figures. What a lovely memory they instilled in us.