The movie paints a complex picture of Sangodeyi, the chief Ilari of Oyo, supposedly fearsome but arguably weak at his core. Lisabi: The Uprising follows Sangodeyi through acts of brutality that reveal his character’s weakness, as his dominance is built not on genuine strength but on oppression and intimidation. Here, we break down 8 reasons Sangodeyi fails to be the imposing figure he claims to be and how these weaknesses ultimately led to his downfall.
1. The Palace Attack on Oba Olodan’s Court
Sangodeyi’s assault on Oba Olodan’s palace is one of his first acts in the film, establishing a pattern for targeting the defenseless. Sangodeyi and his regiment face almost no competent resistance from the palace guards, allowing him to wreak havoc without a real fight. His power rests on intimidation rather than skill, a theme that recurs throughout the story.
2. Killing of the Unarmed Olori Ilari
In another chilling scene, Sangodeyi murders the elderly Olori Ilari, unarmed and defenseless, in the Alaafin’s court. It’s a shocking but telling moment, demonstrating that Sangodeyi lacks the restraint or honor one might expect of a leader. Rather than a measured display of power, this act highlights Sangodeyi’s lack of discipline and respect for others within the court, undermining his image as a “fearsome” leader.
3. Threatening the People of Igbehin
Sangodeyi’s intimidation of the people of Igbehin offers more insight into his character. He demands food, money, and even people’s sons and daughters for his satisfaction. His unchecked demands reveal a weak character reliant on exploiting those without the means to defend themselves. Interestingly, when Osokenu speaks out against him, Sangodeyi does nothing, failing to address this act of defiance—a surprising lapse for someone supposedly powerful.
4. The Execution of a Defiant Young Woman
In a pivotal scene in Lisabi: The Uprising, Sangodeyi becomes enraged when a young woman refuses his advances and insults him. His response? He orders her death, showcasing his inability to handle rejection or opposition. Rather than a man of strength and resilience, he appears insecure, unwilling to handle even the slightest affront without resorting to murder. It’s another example of how Sangodeyi’s power is more about enforcing fear than real authority.
5. The Burning of Gbagura Village
Sangodeyi’s attack on Gbagura further underscores his lack of courage. He razes the village, encountering no resistance and facing no opposition. His actions reveal not a battle-hardened warrior, but rather a man accustomed to winning without a challenge. The burning of Gbagura emphasizes Sangodeyi’s reliance on unchecked power and raises questions about his ability to handle a true fight.
6. Ambushing a Wedding Convoy
In one of the most tragic scenes, Sangodeyi ambushes a wedding convoy and assaults the bride. Once again, he strikes unarmed civilians, facing no military resistance. This scene underscores his lack of moral code and shows how Sangodeyi thrives on exploiting the defenseless. When Osokenu, the groom, seeks revenge, Sangodeyi fails to effectively command his troops, revealing his limitations as a leader.
7. The Murder of Osoponmile Over Plantain
Sangodeyi’s impulsive killing of Osoponmile, a humble farmer, over plantain further underscores his petty brutality. The murder demonstrates how Sangodeyi lacks discipline, killing over trivial slights rather than acting as a composed leader. His temper and impulsive decisions further diminish his character and highlight his reliance on brute force rather than wisdom or strategy.
8. The Final Confrontation with Lisabi
The ultimate testament to Sangodeyi’s weakness comes in his final encounter with Lisabi. This is the only time in the film where Sangodeyi draws his sword against a real opponent, yet he’s overpowered. Lisabi, bolstered by mystical powers, defeats him decisively, taking his head. Sangodeyi’s inability to face a single empowered opponent exposes his shortcomings, revealing that his past victories were more due to the weakness of his targets than his own strength.
A Villain Without Real Challenge
Sangodeyi’s portrayal in Lisabi: The Uprising leaves much to be desired for a supposed “fearsome” commander. His reliance on bullying unarmed villagers, his failure to inspire loyalty among his troops, and his ultimate defeat by Lisabi highlight his inadequacies as a true leader. While Sangodeyi initially appears powerful, it becomes evident that his reign was built on a shaky foundation of fear and violence rather than genuine strength. As a result, he’s more of a symbolic figure of oppression than a worthy adversary, and his weaknesses make him an inadequate threat to Lisabi’s legacy.
