Abeni Agbon: A look at Toyin Oladiran’s Image
Toyin Oladiran is a Nollywood veteran actress who would confidently boast of a theatre career spanning more than two decades. From sneaking out of her house to savor the creative spice of her favorite drama shows featuring Baba Sala, Baba Mero and their contemporaries on Television in the next compound to leading Drama troupe in her secondary school, Toyin had found her passion in the Theatre Arts from quite a young age.
After the completion of her Senior School Certificate Examination, Toyin proceeded to the next stage of her life - kick starting her acting career by making a first time appearance in Ifayemi Elebuibon's Ifa Olokun. Thus, she commenced her career under the tutelage of Elebuibon.
In the development of her film career, the Osogbo indigene received a new name- an appellation that would influence her career and shape audience's perception of her for a very long time, if not forever.
When Toyin Oladiran encountered Yekini Ajileye in the nineties, one of the remarkable filmmakers of his time - a creative enigma whose stories bordered round unraveling the several mysteries of the terrestrial world, Abeni Agbon was born.
In an Interview, Toyin revealed the genesis of the name, she said, "The name Abeni Agbon emerged from my boss, Alhaji Yekini Ajileye, he's dead now, may God bless his soul. I got that particular name while participating in one of his projects. I played Abeni Agbon for the first time in Koto Aye but when he wanted to shoot the final sequence of Koto Aye, he titled it Segilola Abeni Agbon- The Bone of Contention. From that moment, the name became a part of me till today."
Dreadful were the deeds of Abeni Agbon that no one born of a woman dare finds comfort in a seat she has just vacated. If one wants a child to live long, when they share food/drinks during their naming ceremony, it is highly recommended that the goodwill is extended to Abeni’s house. Today, Abeni Agbon is the assistant leader of a coven. Tomorrow, she is elevated to the top seat of the mystical world — fear written in her eyes and terrorizing confidence in her steps announcing her arrival. Not to mince words, Abeni Agbon wreaks evil unprovoked.
Away from the screen, the character of Abeni Agbon is disparate from the person of Toyin Oladiran. It is no gainsaying that those who perceive her from a distance may be flustered by the fear of her social vices back on screen. Consequently, the individuals who have been able to relate with her would confidently confirm her pleasant demeanor.
"It is different. Both are totally different from each other. When I am at work, I am Abeni Agbon but when I am at home or a social gathering, they know I am neither harsh nor troublesome. I don't even have strength for trouble to say the least. But when I am at work, it is always like I am in a battlefield." Toyin said while clarifying her characters off and on screen.
Toyin has worked with creative icons including Oyin Adejobi, Yekini Ajileye, Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Tunde Kelani, Iyabo Ogunsola, Peju Ogunmola, Iya Gbonkan, Yomi Ogunmola, Lere Paimo, Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Oshin, Adebayo Salami, Dele Odule and a long list of industry players.
Her creative zeal and outstanding potentials have earned her roles in numerous movies including Ayonimofe, Ti Oluwa Nile, Ojope, Idamu Akoto, Efunsetan Aniwura, Enu Lebo, Ija Oloro, Koto Aye and more. She is the producer of the movies; Ija Agbagba Meta and Aje Niwa.
In 2009, former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola honored her with an award for her excellent performance in the film industry. Today, Toyin Oladiran remains an active thespian who enjoys great admiration from Nollywood audience based on her creative dexterity and endearing consistency.
