Jagun Jagun by Femi Adebayo has just bagged seven nominations at the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards, and deservedly so. This epic Nigerian movie is more than just a visual masterpiece filled with thrills and drama—it is packed with important life lessons that hit close to home. Whether or not the film lived up to its hype, one thing is certain: Jagun Jagun teaches us about the realities of life, friendship, betrayal, and power.
Here are some important life lessons from the movie, as shared by Ayeni Abayomi:
1. Your Best Friend Today Could Become Your Worst Enemy Tomorrow
In Jagun Jagun, the relationship between Gbogunmi and Gbotija serves as a stark reminder of how fragile friendships can be. Trust, when broken, can turn friends into foes, often with devastating consequences. It’s a warning to be careful of the company you keep and to remember that loyalty can shift in an instant.
2. Using Others for Evil Will Always Come Back to Haunt You
The dynamic between Ogundiji and Iroyinogunkiitan is a powerful cautionary tale. Manipulating or exploiting others—especially young, innocent people—will eventually lead to your downfall. Karma spares no one.
3. Courage Is Key, But Tactics Matter When Challenging a Corrupt System
While Iroyinogunkiitan and Gbotija both showed immense courage in the face of a corrupt regime, their story emphasizes the importance of being tactical. Boldness alone isn’t enough; one must also be strategic when facing powerful systems.
4. Loyalty Should Be 100% or Nothing
The relationship between Moyale and Ditemola highlights the need for unwavering loyalty in any relationship. Half-hearted loyalty can lead to devastating betrayals and irreversible consequences.
5. Disagreeing with Powerful People Can Have Dire Consequences
Erinfunto and Ogundiji’s relationship serves as a warning: disagreeing with people in positions of power, without carefully weighing your options, can have significant repercussions. Choose your battles wisely.
6. Women and Power: Be Wary of What You Give Up
The story of Erinfunto and Ogundiji teaches a crucial lesson about women giving up their bodies or wombs for power and wealth. In the long run, such sacrifices may lead to regret. Women should be mindful of their worth and avoid trading their futures for temporary gains.
7. A Woman Scorned Is a Dangerous Force
Erinfunto’s character is a perfect example of the saying, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” When a woman feels cheated or taken for granted, she may be willing to bring everything down. Never underestimate the strength and vengeance of a woman with nothing to lose.
8. Three’s a Crowd: Secrets Don’t Last When Too Many People Are Involved
Ogundiji’s son, played by Ibrahim Chatta, teaches us that secrecy is hard to maintain when more than two people are involved. As soon as a third party enters the equation, the secret is as good as revealed.
9. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones
The relationship between Agemo and Gbotija offers a profound lesson: cherish the moments with your loved ones because tomorrow is never promised. Time, once lost, can never be regained.
10. A Woman Who Knows Your Source of Power Can Be Your Downfall
The dynamic between Erinfunto and Ogundiji is another reminder to tread carefully with anyone who has access to your secrets—whether it be your wealth, power, or reputation. In a moment of betrayal, they can use that knowledge to bring you down.
Bonus Lesson: Challenges Prepare You for Greater Success
What Ogundiji saw as a death sentence for Gbotija turned out to be the young warrior’s path to success. When facing challenges, remember that they might be preparing you for something bigger. Your darkest moments could lead to your greatest victories.
Final Thoughts: Trust and Relationships
Let’s not forget one of the movie’s more humorous, yet poignant takeaways: “We agreed on dedicating 23 hours a day to fearing women before, but now, make it 24 hours.” 😂 Behind the laughter lies a serious message—be cautious and wise in relationships, as love can sometimes blind you to the dangers lurking beneath. Like Samson in the Bible or the mighty Ogundiji, many powerful men have fallen because of misplaced trust or love. Always tread carefully, and remember that the love of your life today could be the cause of your downfall tomorrow.
In summary, Jagun Jagun isn’t just a tale of war, power, and survival; it’s a story filled with life lessons that we can all learn from. From loyalty to betrayal, love to vengeance, this movie offers plenty of food for thought as we navigate our own battles in life.
