is a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian cinema. From the early days of Fifty to taking over the streaming world with Blood Sisters, her production company, EbonyLife Films, has played a major role in shaping the new Nollywood.
If you鈥檝e ever been glued to your screen, caught between gasping at unexpected twists and admiring the glamorous high life, chances are you鈥檝e experienced the magic of a Mo Abudu production. Whether it鈥檚 romance, drama, comedy, or thriller, she has mastered the art of blending African culture with global appeal.
Here are the 10 best movies produced by the powerhouse that is Mo Abudu.
10. (2022)
Running time: 1h 36m
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Genre: Comedy
This sequel picks up right where Chief Daddy left off, with the late billionaire鈥檚 family still at war over his fortune. Just when things couldn鈥檛 get any messier, a new player, Laila (Rahama Sadau), arrives to shake things up even more.
While Chief Daddy 2 faced heavy criticism online, it still delivers on over-the-top family drama and chaos. If you enjoy sequels and the kind of Nollywood stories where money and power fuel the tension, you might want to check this out.
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9. (2017)
Running time: 1h 38m
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Genre: Comedy/Romance
The sequel to The Wedding Party (2016) shifts focus to Nonso (Enyinna Nwigwe), the younger brother of Dozie (Banky W), whose wedding is the centrepiece of the first film. This time, Nonso finds himself in an unexpected romance with Deardre (Daniella Down), one of the bridesmaids from his brother鈥檚 wedding.
What starts as a casual dinner takes a surprising turn when Nonso accidentally proposes to Deardre. But love is never that simple鈥攅specially when both families strongly disapprove of the union. With its lavish destination setting and comedic family drama, The Wedding Party 2 keeps the extravagant, feel-good spirit of the original alive.
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8. (2018)
Running time: 1h 39m
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Genre: Comedy
Featuring Falz, Joke Silva, and the late Rachel Oniga, Chief Daddy follows the chaotic aftermath of billionaire Chief Beecroft鈥檚 (Taiwo Obileye) sudden death. His surviving wife, children, mistresses, and their offspring quickly find themselves in a battle for his vast fortune, leading to plenty of drama, tension, and hilarious moments.
While the premise of a wealthy patriarch leaving behind a messy inheritance fight is a familiar Nollywood trope, Chief Daddy stands out with its sharp humour and entertaining ensemble cast. Beneath all the extravagance and scheming, the film subtly explores how power and money often take priority over family鈥攗ntil it鈥檚 too late.
If you鈥檙e in the mood for a lighthearted Nollywood comedy with larger-than-life characters, this one鈥檚 worth a watch.
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7. (2023)
Running time: 1h 36m
Director: Walter Banger
Genre: Romance
This romantic drama follows two lifelong friends, Toyin (Dakore Akande) and Uche (Nse Ikpe-Etim), whose bond is tested when they fall for the same man鈥擲unday (Oris Erhuero). What starts as an innocent rivalry soon spirals into emotional turmoil, forcing them to confront the complexities of love, loyalty, and betrayal.
While A Sunday Affair aims to deliver an intense love triangle, it doesn鈥檛 always hit the emotional highs expected. However, strong performances from its seasoned cast and its exploration of deep, mature relationships make it a compelling watch for romance lovers.
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6. (2019)
Running time: 2h
Director: Funke Akindele
Genre: Comedy/Political Drama
Imagine a wealthy, power-hungry politician who idolizes Donald Trump just as much as he craves the presidency鈥攏ow that鈥檚 a character worth watching. In this satirical political comedy, we meet Chief Olalekan Ajadi (Akin Lewis), a businessman-turned-presidential candidate who has failed at the polls more times than he can count but refuses to give up on his dream.
If his story reminds you of a certain Nigerian politician, well鈥� that鈥檚 on you. Any similarities are purely coincidental鈥攐f course. Your Excellency blends humor and politics in a way that keeps the laughs coming, making it a refreshing take on Nigerian election drama. If you鈥檙e in the mood for a lighthearted political satire, this one鈥檚 worth a watch.
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5. (2016)
Running time: 1h 50m
Director: Kemi Adetiba
Genre: Romance
A glamorous wedding, feuding families, and an ex who just won鈥檛 let go鈥攚hat could possibly go wrong? The Wedding Party follows the chaotic but heartwarming love story of Dozie (Banky W), a reformed playboy, and Dunni (Adesua Etomi-Wellington), the love of his life. As they prepare to say “I do,” tensions rise between their mothers (Ireti Doyle and Sola Sobowale), and an unexpected guest threatens to ruin their big day.
If there鈥檚 one Nollywood movie that perfectly captures the essence of the 鈥渙wanbe鈥� spirit, it鈥檚 this one. A blend of romance, comedy, and stunning wedding aesthetics, The Wedding Party is a must-watch for lovers of love鈥攁nd a good party.
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4. (2017)
Running time: 1h 30m
Director: Ishaya Bako
Genre: Romance
After years in London, a passionate chef (Zainab Balogun) returns home to breathe new life into her family’s struggling hotel. With big dreams of revamping the menu and restoring its former glory, she鈥檚 determined to make a difference. But just as she starts to make progress, she鈥檚 hit with an unexpected twist鈥攈er parents are secretly planning to sell the hotel to the very man (Kenneth Okoli) she鈥檚 falling for.
Caught between love, family loyalty, and her lifelong dream, she must navigate the messiness of romance and ambition. If you鈥檙e looking for a feel-good, God-when love story with heartwarming moments, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is the perfect watch.
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3. (2015)
Running time: 1h 46m
Director: Biyi Bandele
Genre: Romance
What happens when four successful women approaching 50 navigate love, desire, family, and society鈥檚 expectations? Fifty offers a dazzling, drama-filled glimpse into the lives of Tola (Ireti Doyle), Maria (Omoni Oboli), Elizabeth (Nse Ikpe-Etim), and Kate (Dakore Akande) as they juggle career ambitions with personal struggles鈥攔anging from infidelity to strained relationships with children and spouses.
Set against the glitzy backdrop of Lagos, the film delivers not just compelling storytelling but also stunning visuals, a great soundtrack, and impeccable fashion. If you’re in the mood for a Nollywood romance with unexpected twists and powerhouse performances, Fifty is a must-watch. Unfortunately, finding it on streaming platforms might be a challenge鈥攂ut it鈥檚 worth the search.
2. (2019)
Running time: 1h 46m
Director: Kenneth Gyang
Genre: Crime
In 脪濒貌迟奴谤茅, Sharon Ooja-Nwoke delivers a gripping performance as a young investigative journalist who goes undercover to expose the dark underbelly of human trafficking. Posing as a sex worker, she infiltrates a brutal trafficking syndicate, but the deeper she goes, the more she becomes entangled in a world of exploitation, danger, and betrayal.
More than just a crime drama, 脪濒貌迟奴谤茅 is a bold and unflinching look at the realities of human trafficking in Nigeria. With its raw storytelling, strong performances, and unsettling yet necessary message, this film isn鈥檛 just entertainment鈥攊t鈥檚 a wake-up call.
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1. (2022)
Running time: 1h 36m
Director: Biyi Bandele
Genre: Adventure/Drama
Based on Wole Soyinka鈥檚 classic play Death and the King鈥檚 Horseman, this historical drama brings to life the harrowing true story of Elesin Oba, a Yoruba horseman destined to sacrifice himself following the death of his king. However, his sacred duty is disrupted by British colonial authorities, who deem the ritual an act of barbarism鈥攍eading to tragic consequences.
With stunning cinematography, rich cultural storytelling, and powerful performances, Elesin Oba is a visually striking adaptation that explores themes of duty, honour, and the clash between tradition and colonial rule. If you’re a fan of book-to-film adaptations or Nigerian history, this is one to add to your watchlist.
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