Koleoso Part 10: Ibrahim Itele’s Cinematic Masterclass or a Dragging Epic? The Verdict on the Yoruba Blockbuster
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Rating: ........... 3.5/5 Stars
By Chinedu Okeke.
NollywoodTimes.com - January 12, 2026
If you're glued to your screens chasing the next Yoruba movie high, Koleoso Part 10 from Aseyori TV drops like thunder from Sango himself. Starring the unbreakable Ibrahim Itele (Iteledicon), alongside Ogboluke, Kemity, and Efun, this 2026 episode—premiered January 10—ramps up the generational saga that's gripped millions. But does it deliver explosive drama or just more smoke? In this review, we dissect every frame, whisper, and ritual chant to see if Season 3's penultimate chapter redeems the series or buries it under plot potholes. Spoiler-light, but brace for honest Naija critique.
The Nigerian film industry, particularly the Yoruba sector, has undergone a radical transformation. Gone are the days of grainy VHS-quality shots and "ghost" effects that lacked conviction. Today, we are in the era of the "Cinematic Yoruba Epic"—films that marry deep-rooted cultural philosophies with high-end production values. Enter Koleoso Part 10, the latest installment from the powerhouse Aseyori TV, starring the indomitable Ibrahim "Itele" Yekini.
As a critic who has watched the Yoruba film industry evolve from the "Home Video" boom to the Netflix/Prime era, I approached Koleoso Part 10 with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Can a tenth installment maintain the narrative tension of its predecessors? Does it justify its runtime, or is it another victim of the "long-form" padding that plagues many YouTube-centric Nollywood releases? Let’s dive deep.
Visuals & Cinematography: A High-Definition Cultural Canvas
One thing you cannot take away from Ibrahim Itele is his eye for visual flair. In Koleoso Part 10, the cinematography moves away from the static, "TV-style" setups common in low-budget dramas and leans heavily into intentional framing.
The use of close-ups during the high-stakes dialogue scenes between Itele and Ogboluke is masterful. You can see the sweat, the twitch of a lip, and the simmering anger in their eyes. This level of detail elevates the emotional stakes; we aren't just watching a story; we are witnessing a psychological chess match.
The lighting consistency is particularly impressive. Many Nollywood productions struggle with "power-light" issues—where scenes feel artificially bright or distractingly dark during night shoots. Koleoso avoids this trap. The night scenes are moody and atmospheric, using practical lighting that feels organic to the setting. However, there are moments where the color grading feels slightly inconsistent, shifting from a warm, earthy tone to a cooler, digital blue in a way that occasionally breaks the immersion.
Sound Design: The Pulse of the Drama
Sound is often the Achilles' heel of Nollywood, but Koleoso Part 10 mostly gets it right. The dialogue audibility is crisp, a testament to the use of high-quality lapel and boom mics. This is crucial because, in a Yoruba epic, the beauty of the language—the proverbs, the metaphors, and the tonal shifts—is half the entertainment.
The musical score is a character in itself. Instead of the generic, repetitive loops found in older films, the score here utilizes traditional Yoruba instrumentation—the talking drum (Gangan) and the Omele—to punctuate moments of tension. My only gripe is the occasional "over-scoring." There are scenes where a moment of silence would have carried more weight than a dramatic orchestral swell. In cinema, silence is often the loudest sound, and I would love to see more Nollywood directors embrace it.
Costume & Production Design: Authenticity Meets Status
The production design in Koleoso does a fantastic job of communicating social class and power. Ibrahim Itele’s wardrobe is curated to reflect a man of influence; the heavy embroidery on his Agbalumo-colored Agbada isn't just fashion—it’s a statement of dominance.
The makeup realism deserves a shout-out, especially regarding the "spiritual" elements of the film. The tribal marks and ritualistic pigments look authentic rather than "painted on," which is a common pitfall in the genre. The locations feel lived-in and believable, moving seamlessly from opulent modern interiors to rugged, traditional outdoor settings without the transition feeling jarring.
Narrative Structure: The "Part 10" Dilemma
This is where things get interesting. Koleoso Part 10 opens with a hook that immediately re-engages the audience, but the pacing reflects a classic Nollywood struggle. Because this is a serialized story, there is a tendency to allow subplots to breathe a little too much.
We see the heavy use of flashbacks. While they serve to remind the audience of the stakes established in earlier parts, they occasionally slow down the momentum of the current conflict. However, the climax execution is where the writing shines. The tension that has been simmering for ten parts finally reaches a boiling point, delivering an emotional payoff that feels earned rather than rushed.
Plot Logic & Character Motivations: Navigating Nigerian Realities
One of the strengths of this film is its groundedness in Nigerian societal norms. The motivations of the characters—driven by ambition, the fear of "village people" (spiritual enemies), and the thirst for legacy—resonate deeply with both local and diaspora audiences.
However, the film does lean on some overused tropes. The "betrayal by a close confidant" is a path we’ve walked many times in Yoruba cinema. While Itele and his team execute it well, one wishes for a narrative twist that defies these traditional expectations. That said, the plot holes are minimal; the script stays remarkably consistent with the lore established in previous episodes.
The Performances: A Powerhouse Cast
Ibrahim Itele (Koleoso): Itele remains one of the most versatile actors in the industry. His ability to switch from a calm, calculating leader to a man possessed by rage is a masterclass in range. He carries the weight of the film effortlessly.
Ogboluke: A perfect foil to Itele. His performance is understated but powerful, providing a grounded energy that balances the high-octane drama of the leads.
Kemity & Efun: These women are not just "accessories" to the male leads. They bring a fierce, protective energy to their roles, representing the matriarchal power often found in Yoruba culture. Their delivery of the Yoruba language is poetic and sharp.
The chemistry between the cast is palpable. It’s clear these actors have worked together long enough to anticipate each other’s rhythms, resulting in dialogue that feels like a natural conversation rather than a rehearsed script.
Cultural Relevance: Why This Film Matters
Koleoso Part 10 is more than just a movie; it’s a reflection of the Yoruba spirit. It explores themes of survival and faith in a world that is often unforgiving. For the diaspora, it’s a tether to home—a way to hear the language spoken with such mastery and to see the rituals of "home" depicted with respect rather than ridicule.
The film also serves as a subtle social commentary on the nature of power in Nigeria—how it is acquired, how it is held, and the inevitable cost of maintaining it.
The Verdict
Koleoso Part 10 is a triumph of the "Aseyori TV" style of filmmaking. It is visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and culturally authentic. While it suffers from slight pacing issues and a reliance on familiar tropes, the sheer quality of the performances and the technical execution make it a must-watch.
If you have been following the series, this is the payoff you’ve been waiting for. If you are new to the world of Koleoso, I suggest you go back to Part 1—it is a journey worth taking.
Who should watch this film? * Fans of high-stakes Yoruba political and spiritual dramas.
Anyone who appreciates the technical growth of Nollywood.
Followers of Ibrahim Itele’s evolving directorial style.
Ibrahim Itele continues to prove that he is not just an "actor"—he is a filmmaker who understands the soul of his audience.
Call-to-Action: Have you watched Koleoso Part 10 yet? Did the ending shock you as much as it did me? Let’s discuss in the comments below! Don't forget to subscribe to Aseyori TV for more updates on the series.
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