Adebayo Faleti

When a usurper, Lapita, seizes the throne of Jogbo the scene is set for a film about the power struggles and corruption of a mythical African state tied up to the rituals of kingship – principally the beating of the Saworoide (or brass bell) drum. A homespun political parable emerges drawing interest by converting the typically unstable African political stereotypes into a fable complete with songs and a Greek Chorus that reflect upon the plot.

Thunderbolt is woven around Ngozi, a young elegant Igbo lady and Yinka a young man of Yoruba origin who meet and fall in love during the National Youth Service. Their eventual marriage, against folk wisdom soon develops problem fueled by rumors of extra-marital affairs which destroy trust between a devoted Ngozi and a jealous Yinka. In the ensuing drama Ngozi is laced with “Magun,” the mysterious and fatal chastity control which will make her sexual victim die instantly after sexual intercourse.