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Nice one naptu2.

There was a certain councillor bamishe too. Wasn't there?

hopsydboi:
When NTA was still a alive

When Nigeria was still alive before the full impact of the ruin of clueless, illiterate soldier coupists was felt.

yoddy:
Nice one naptu2.

There was a certain councillor bamishe too. Wasn't there?

Yes. I initially planned to write about Councilor Bamishe, Laraba and Doyin, but I've just realised that I forgot to do that.

juman:
Wonderful.

But Kai!

nigeria refused to be a successful country we thought it would become.

The military generals destroyed nigeria.

Yes,People like Buhari when they sent away a democratically elected govt of Shagari and took over power..He took us 20years back..With Buhari is a disaster for us..QED

I remember a song we use to sing then in Lagos after watching each episode of the Village Headmaster" everywhere I go, Sisi Clara dey follow me". Those days in Lagos, if your television set do not get signals from OGTV; you must have to fortify your antenna with more old fluorescent tubes and flat aluminium plates. Chai!! I love those days. Our country was more peaceful and welcoming then. I do not know where we got it so wrong now.

naptu2:
Characters

1) Kabiyesi, The Oloja of Oja, Oba Adelende the 2nd (played by Dejumo Lewis). Early 1970s-1990. He was the king of the village. I loved the way that he said "Moi People" (my people) and the way he ascended the steps to his throne. He would climb up the steps, reverse back down, climb up again, reverse again and climb up a third time before sitting on the throne. He often settled disputes in his palace and was the main authority figure in the village. He was a very wise King.

2) Headmaster, Mr Gabriel Fagade (played by Ted Mukoro) 1968-1972. He was the first village headmaster.

3) Headmaster, Mr Ife Araba (played by Femi Robinson) 1972-1984. He was the second village headmaster (and my first village headmaster). He often had to clear up the misconceptions of the people, especially about new government policies, technology or new developments in the town. He was always a voice of reason and he was often the one who helped to restore sanity after Amebo's rumours had caused confusion in the village. There were many episodes that ended with the headmaster explaining to the Oloja how the crisis in the village was started and advising him on how such problems could be avoided in future.

Femi Robinson later hosted Shopper's Guide on NTA2 Channel 5 (1984-1987).

4) Headmaster, Mr Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali (played by Justus Esiri) 1985-1990. He was the headmaster throughout the second series. I remember the first episode in which he appeared. The storyline was that Mr Ife Araba was transferred to Jebaco and Mr Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali was transferred from Jebaco to Oja. He had a wife (whose screen name I can't remember, but, in real life, she served as a minister in Goodluck Jonathan's administration), a very beautiful daughter called Laraba and a relative called Doyin. One of the first episodes of the second series (New Village Headmaster) revolved around friction between Laraba and Doyin. Laraba also got a lot of romantic proposals from the teachers in Oja, especially teachers Garuba and Oghene, but she wasn't interested in any of them. I think Mr Garuba had an affair with Doyin, but I can't remember for sure.



Mr Aderibigbe Ali and Chief Eleyinmi.

5) Chief (Nicodemu Ologbenla) Eleyinmi (played by Funsho Adeolu). Early 1970s - 1990. This was one of the most interesting characters on the show. He was the second in command to the Oloja (sort of like a prime minister or vice president of the village). He was also the president of the customary court. He had a lot of bombastic catch phrases like, "with immediate effect and automatic alacrity", "konkobility", "nonsense and ingredients", etc. He also created nicknames for many of the characters in the village (some of which were not very flattering).

He was a force for good and often helped the Oloja to solve the problems of the village.

Funsho Adeolu later became an oba in real life.



Chief Eleyinmi.


6) Councillor Balogun (played by Wole Amele). Early 1980s-early 1990s. Councilor Balogun was an over-ambitious politician, whose ambition usually led to crisis in the village. He was often at loggerheads with the palace, but often ended up apologising to the Oloja.

He was fond of challenging Chief Eleyinmi's position (because he felt that he was more important than Eleyinmi) and whenever Councilor Balogun was pleading with the Oloja for mercy, Eleyinmi would advocate that Councilor Balogun should be punished severely for the problems that he caused in the village.

Councillor Balogun was also probably the richest person in the village.

Wole Amele, who played the role of Councilor Balogun, later became an oba in real life.

7) Amebo (played by Ibidun Alison). She is the village gossip and bar owner. Chief Eleyinmi often called her "Radio Oja". She is usually well intentioned, but she's not well educated and she often stumbles on information that she doesn't quite understand, misinterpretes it and spreads her misinterpreted story all over the village. This often leads to crisis and confusion.

Amebo would often quietly enter the palace while an important discussion is going on and she would sit down unnoticed. Then, after a while, Eleyinmi would notice her and immediately stop speaking. He would call her "Radio Oja" and rain his humorous and indirect insults on her. She would protest to the Oloja, who would stop Eleyinmi from teasing her. Then Eleyinmi would suggest that they continue their discussion later (when Amebo is not around). But it's already too late, Ambo has already heard and misunderstood part of what's being said.



Amebo's bar.

8 ) Sisi Clara (played by Elsie Olusola). 1968-1988. Clara Fagade was the wife of the first village headmaster, Gabriel Fagade. She was Amebo's friend, but she was much smarter than Amebo (she had native intelligence). She would often rebuke Amebo when she starts gossiping. Sisi Clara was a businesswoman, but I can't quite remember what her business was (I think she was a seamstress).
I was in awe of this woman. She proved that what teachers and parents said was not true. Parents and teachers often tried to stop kids from speaking pidgin English, because they believed that it would impair the child's ability to speak proper English, but Chief (Mrs) Elsie Olusola spoke the sweetest Waffi when she was in character and spoke flawless Queen's English in real life.

9) Gorimapa (played by Albert Olayemi). Gorimapa was the palace servant, messenger and town crier. He was known for his close-shaven head and he often sat at the foot of the throne. Chief Eleyinmi called him, "Gorimapa Adorin Sahara Desert" (while rubbing Gorimapa's shaved head).

10) "Dr" Bassey Okon (played by the great JAB Adu). 1968- c1984. He was the first owner of the village chemist/supermarket. He was a dispenser in Burma during World War 2. He was called "Doctor", even though he wasn't actually a doctor. I loved the way that he exclaimed "Chai! Chai! Chai!"

JAB Adu was one of my favourite actors and it seemed like I had been watching him on TV all my life. I first got to know him from the Village Headmaster and Adio Family in the late 1970s and early 1980s, then he played the lead role in The Turning Wheel on OGTV in the mid1980s. He did a sitcom on a private tv station in the late 1990s (I can't remember the name of the sitcom), then he was on Story, Story - Voices From The Market Place on BBC World Service Radio in the late 1990s and 2000s. He then acted in a few episodes of Tinsel, where he played the part of Fred Ade Williams' doctor and then he acted in Livin' In Lagos (a sitcom) in 2010.

11) Okoro (played by the great Jimmy Johnson). early 1980s- c1988. Jimmy Johnson was the second owner of the chemist/supermarket. He was very fond of his snuff box and people can easily remember the very loud sneezing that accompanied his sessions with his snuff. He also had a short temper.

12) Boniface (played by Asuquo Ukwak). He was the sales boy at the village chemist. Chief Eleyinmi called him, "Boniface, Boni-nose, Boni-mouth". He was unhappy because he felt that he was better educated than his bosses (Bassey Okon and Okoro). An arranged marriage was once organised for him, but he fled when he discovered that his bride to be was a little child.

13) Kokonsari (played by Leke Ajao). He was the village chief priest.

14) Dagbolu (played by Dan Imoudu). I'll use the first episode he appeared in to describe him.

Councillor Balogun was up to his usual mischief and the Oloja and Eleyinmi tried to call him to order, but he brought a powerful socerer called Dagbolu to the palace. A mystic battle ensued between Dagbolu and Kokonsari. Unbelievably, Dagbolu was able to overpower Kokonsari and the Oloja fell ill at the end of the battle.

The Oloja was ill and nobody was allowed to see him. Ambo overhead a conversation about the Oloja's illness, misunderstood it and went to the streets to spread a rumour that the Oloja was dead.

There was confusion in the village. There was a rumour that the Oloja was dead, but palace officials insisted that he wasn't dead, yet nobody could see him. Who would lead the village? Who would provide direction?

Councillor Balogun returned to the palace with Dagbolu , disrespected Eleyinmi and was about to sit on the throne when the Oloja came out of the inner chamber. Dagbolu tried to recite his incantations, but he fainted and then we were reminded that the Oloja was the igbakeji orisa (lieutenant of the gods).

Apologies for any errors. I wrote all of that from memory.

15) Teacher Garuba (played by Joe Layode). He was a pompous, but grumpy teacher, who was unhappy about his position in life (he felt that he deserved better). He often drank away his unhappiness at Amebo's bar.
Teacher Garuba competed with Teacher Oghene for the affections of Laraba and later Doyin.

16) Teacher Oghene (played by Melville Obriango). He was known for his white shirt, tie, shorts and cane. He was a more cheerful teacher than Teacher Garuba and he often got into conflicts with Garuba (who was much older than him). Teacher Garuba was grumpy and did things by the book. He had an exaggerated sense of his own importance. Teacher Oghene was more cheerful and approachable.

17) Policeman (played by Enebeli Elebuwa). I can't remember his actual name in the show (he was always addressed by his title, Inspector). He was the policeman who came down from Jebaco to resolve problems in Oja.

Enebeli Elebuwa was typecast as a policeman in my mind, because he also later played the role of a policeman (Inspector Ben Alamu) in the Turning Wheel.

18) Fathia Okon (played by Roseline Birch). She was "Dr" Bassey Okon's teenage daughter, who helped him in the shop.

19) Lawyer (played by Albert Egbe). I also can't remember his screen name, but he handled cases in Eleyinmi's court.

Albert Egbe later acted in Jagua Nana's Daughter and was the first Basi in Basi And Company.

20) Lawyer Iyanda (played by Sam Agbebi). He appeared many years after the first lawyer. The Oloja and Chief Eleyinmi often called him "Baby Lawyer".


Lawyer Iyanda arguing his case in Chief Eleyinmi's court.

21) Chief Afilaka. I've been trying to remember his screen name, but I couldn't until someone reminded me a few days ago. That's because I remember him by the name that Eleyinmi often called him, "Chief Tain Tain".

Chief Afilaka was never seen without a toothpick in his mouth and Eleyinmi labelled him Chief Tain Tain, mimicking the sound that he makes when he is picking his teeth. Eleyinmi didn't like Chief Afilaka because he was richer than him.

22) The Prince (1989-1990). In order to compete with the very popular soap operas like Ripples, Supple Blues and Behind The Clouds that debuted in the late 1980s, producers of Village Headmaster introduced the character of the Prince. He was the Oloja's son who had been in the US for a very long time and suddenly returned to Oja.

23) Mrs Ali (played by Patricia Akwashiki). She was Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali's wife.
Patricia Akwashiki was the last minister of information in the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

24) Lakunle Ojo (played by Layi Ashadele).

There are other people whose names I remember, but I don't remember the roles they played.

25) Iluyomade. There was a character called Iluyomade. I'm certain of it. I remember the Oloja saying the name Iluyomade, but I don't remember what his role was.

26) Chief Aribabu. I also remember that there was someone called Aribabu and that he was always in conflict with Councillor Balogun, but I don't remember anything else about him.

Wow! This is really informative and nostalgic. Almost everyone seems to give all credits to the series and leave none for the original poster. @Naptu2 thank you for this, you're wonderful! By the way are you into research? If not, try that field.

Czzy:
I remember a song we use to sing then in Lagos after watching each episode of the Village Headmaster" everywhere I go, Sisi Clara dey follow me". Those days in Lagos, if your television set do not get signals from OGTV; you must have to fortify your antenna with more old fluorescent tubes and flat aluminium plates. Chai!! I love those days. Our country was more peaceful and welcoming then. I do not know where we got it so wrong now.

OGTV. We would turn and turn the antenna, so that we'll get OGTV's signal, but we might end up making LTV or Channel 10 uncLear, while OGTV becomes clear.

So we'll have to go outside again, climb the ladder and turn the antenna until we get a midpoint where all the channels are clear.

Jerace95:



Wow! This is really informative and nostalgic. Almost everyone seems to give all credits to the series and leave none for the original poster. @Naptu2 thank you for this, you're wonderful! By the way are you into research? If not, try that field.

Thanks very much.

naptu2:
Characters

1) Kabiyesi, The Oloja of Oja, Oba Adelende the 2nd (played by Dejumo Lewis). Early 1970s-1990. He was the king of the village. I loved the way that he said "Moi People" (my people) and the way he ascended the steps to his throne. He would climb up the steps, reverse back down, climb up again, reverse again and climb up a third time before sitting on the throne. He often settled disputes in his palace and was the main authority figure in the village. He was a very wise King.

2) Headmaster, Mr Gabriel Fagade (played by Ted Mukoro) 1968-1972. He was the first village headmaster.

3) Headmaster, Mr Ife Araba (played by Femi Robinson) 1972-1984. He was the second village headmaster (and my first village headmaster). He often had to clear up the misconceptions of the people, especially about new government policies, technology or new developments in the town. He was always a voice of reason and he was often the one who helped to restore sanity after Amebo's rumours had caused confusion in the village. There were many episodes that ended with the headmaster explaining to the Oloja how the crisis in the village was started and advising him on how such problems could be avoided in future.

Femi Robinson later hosted Shopper's Guide on NTA2 Channel 5 (1984-1987).

4) Headmaster, Mr Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali (played by Justus Esiri) 1985-1990. He was the headmaster throughout the second series. I remember the first episode in which he appeared. The storyline was that Mr Ife Araba was transferred to Jebaco and Mr Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali was transferred from Jebaco to Oja. He had a wife (whose screen name I can't remember, but, in real life, she served as a minister in Goodluck Jonathan's administration), a very beautiful daughter called Laraba and a relative called Doyin. One of the first episodes of the second series (New Village Headmaster) revolved around friction between Laraba and Doyin. Laraba also got a lot of romantic proposals from the teachers in Oja, especially teachers Garuba and Oghene, but she wasn't interested in any of them. I think Mr Garuba had an affair with Doyin, but I can't remember for sure.



Mr Aderibigbe Ali and Chief Eleyinmi.

5) Chief (Nicodemu Ologbenla) Eleyinmi (played by Funsho Adeolu). Early 1970s - 1990. This was one of the most interesting characters on the show. He was the second in command to the Oloja (sort of like a prime minister or vice president of the village). He was also the president of the customary court. He had a lot of bombastic catch phrases like, "with immediate effect and automatic alacrity", "konkobility", "nonsense and ingredients", etc. He also created nicknames for many of the characters in the village (some of which were not very flattering).

He was a force for good and often helped the Oloja to solve the problems of the village.

Funsho Adeolu later became an oba in real life.



Chief Eleyinmi.


6) Councillor Balogun (played by Wole Amele). Early 1980s-early 1990s. Councilor Balogun was an over-ambitious politician, whose ambition usually led to crisis in the village. He was often at loggerheads with the palace, but often ended up apologising to the Oloja.

He was fond of challenging Chief Eleyinmi's position (because he felt that he was more important than Eleyinmi) and whenever Councilor Balogun was pleading with the Oloja for mercy, Eleyinmi would advocate that Councilor Balogun should be punished severely for the problems that he caused in the village.

Councillor Balogun was also probably the richest person in the village.

Wole Amele, who played the role of Councilor Balogun, later became an oba in real life.

7) Amebo (played by Ibidun Alison). She is the village gossip and bar owner. Chief Eleyinmi often called her "Radio Oja". She is usually well intentioned, but she's not well educated and she often stumbles on information that she doesn't quite understand, misinterpretes it and spreads her misinterpreted story all over the village. This often leads to crisis and confusion.

Amebo would often quietly enter the palace while an important discussion is going on and she would sit down unnoticed. Then, after a while, Eleyinmi would notice her and immediately stop speaking. He would call her "Radio Oja" and rain his humorous and indirect insults on her. She would protest to the Oloja, who would stop Eleyinmi from teasing her. Then Eleyinmi would suggest that they continue their discussion later (when Amebo is not around). But it's already too late, Ambo has already heard and misunderstood part of what's being said.



Amebo's bar.

8 ) Sisi Clara (played by Elsie Olusola). 1968-1988. Clara Fagade was the wife of the first village headmaster, Gabriel Fagade. She was Amebo's friend, but she was much smarter than Amebo (she had native intelligence). She would often rebuke Amebo when she starts gossiping. Sisi Clara was a businesswoman, but I can't quite remember what her business was (I think she was a seamstress).
I was in awe of this woman. She proved that what teachers and parents said was not true. Parents and teachers often tried to stop kids from speaking pidgin English, because they believed that it would impair the child's ability to speak proper English, but Chief (Mrs) Elsie Olusola spoke the sweetest Waffi when she was in character and spoke flawless Queen's English in real life.

9) Gorimapa (played by Albert Olayemi). Gorimapa was the palace servant, messenger and town crier. He was known for his close-shaven head and he often sat at the foot of the throne. Chief Eleyinmi called him, "Gorimapa Adorin Sahara Desert" (while rubbing Gorimapa's shaved head).

10) "Dr" Bassey Okon (played by the great JAB Adu). 1968- c1984. He was the first owner of the village chemist/supermarket. He was a dispenser in Burma during World War 2. He was called "Doctor", even though he wasn't actually a doctor. I loved the way that he exclaimed "Chai! Chai! Chai!"

JAB Adu was one of my favourite actors and it seemed like I had been watching him on TV all my life. I first got to know him from the Village Headmaster and Adio Family in the late 1970s and early 1980s, then he played the lead role in The Turning Wheel on OGTV in the mid1980s. He did a sitcom on a private tv station in the late 1990s (I can't remember the name of the sitcom), then he was on Story, Story - Voices From The Market Place on BBC World Service Radio in the late 1990s and 2000s. He then acted in a few episodes of Tinsel, where he played the part of Fred Ade Williams' doctor and then he acted in Livin' In Lagos (a sitcom) in 2010.

11) Okoro (played by the great Jimmy Johnson). early 1980s- c1988. Jimmy Johnson was the second owner of the chemist/supermarket. He was very fond of his snuff box and people can easily remember the very loud sneezing that accompanied his sessions with his snuff. He also had a short temper.

12) Boniface (played by Asuquo Ukwak). He was the sales boy at the village chemist. Chief Eleyinmi called him, "Boniface, Boni-nose, Boni-mouth". He was unhappy because he felt that he was better educated than his bosses (Bassey Okon and Okoro). An arranged marriage was once organised for him, but he fled when he discovered that his bride to be was a little child.

13) Kokonsari (played by Leke Ajao). He was the village chief priest.

14) Dagbolu (played by Dan Imoudu). I'll use the first episode he appeared in to describe him.

Councillor Balogun was up to his usual mischief and the Oloja and Eleyinmi tried to call him to order, but he brought a powerful socerer called Dagbolu to the palace. A mystic battle ensued between Dagbolu and Kokonsari. Unbelievably, Dagbolu was able to overpower Kokonsari and the Oloja fell ill at the end of the battle.

The Oloja was ill and nobody was allowed to see him. Ambo overhead a conversation about the Oloja's illness, misunderstood it and went to the streets to spread a rumour that the Oloja was dead.

There was confusion in the village. There was a rumour that the Oloja was dead, but palace officials insisted that he wasn't dead, yet nobody could see him. Who would lead the village? Who would provide direction?

Councillor Balogun returned to the palace with Dagbolu , disrespected Eleyinmi and was about to sit on the throne when the Oloja came out of the inner chamber. Dagbolu tried to recite his incantations, but he fainted and then we were reminded that the Oloja was the igbakeji orisa (lieutenant of the gods).

Apologies for any errors. I wrote all of that from memory.

15) Teacher Garuba (played by Joe Layode). He was a pompous, but grumpy teacher, who was unhappy about his position in life (he felt that he deserved better). He often drank away his unhappiness at Amebo's bar.
Teacher Garuba competed with Teacher Oghene for the affections of Laraba and later Doyin.

16) Teacher Oghene (played by Melville Obriango). He was known for his white shirt, tie, shorts and cane. He was a more cheerful teacher than Teacher Garuba and he often got into conflicts with Garuba (who was much older than him). Teacher Garuba was grumpy and did things by the book. He had an exaggerated sense of his own importance. Teacher Oghene was more cheerful and approachable.

17) Policeman (played by Enebeli Elebuwa). I can't remember his actual name in the show (he was always addressed by his title, Inspector). He was the policeman who came down from Jebaco to resolve problems in Oja.

Enebeli Elebuwa was typecast as a policeman in my mind, because he also later played the role of a policeman (Inspector Ben Alamu) in the Turning Wheel.

18) Fathia Okon (played by Roseline Birch). She was "Dr" Bassey Okon's teenage daughter, who helped him in the shop.

19) Lawyer (played by Albert Egbe). I also can't remember his screen name, but he handled cases in Eleyinmi's court.

Albert Egbe later acted in Jagua Nana's Daughter and was the first Basi in Basi And Company.

20) Lawyer Iyanda (played by Sam Agbebi). He appeared many years after the first lawyer. The Oloja and Chief Eleyinmi often called him "Baby Lawyer".


Lawyer Iyanda arguing his case in Chief Eleyinmi's court.

21) Chief Afilaka. I've been trying to remember his screen name, but I couldn't until someone reminded me a few days ago. That's because I remember him by the name that Eleyinmi often called him, "Chief Tain Tain".

Chief Afilaka was never seen without a toothpick in his mouth and Eleyinmi labelled him Chief Tain Tain, mimicking the sound that he makes when he is picking his teeth. Eleyinmi didn't like Chief Afilaka because he was richer than him.

22) The Prince (1989-1990). In order to compete with the very popular soap operas like Ripples, Supple Blues and Behind The Clouds that debuted in the late 1980s, producers of Village Headmaster introduced the character of the Prince. He was the Oloja's son who had been in the US for a very long time and suddenly returned to Oja.

23) Mrs Ali (played by Patricia Akwashiki). She was Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali's wife.
Patricia Akwashiki was the last minister of information in the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

24) Lakunle Ojo (played by Layi Ashadele).

There are other people whose names I remember, but I don't remember the roles they played.

25) Iluyomade. There was a character called Iluyomade. I'm certain of it. I remember the Oloja saying the name Iluyomade, but I don't remember what his role was.

26) Chief Aribabu. I also remember that there was someone called Aribabu and that he was always in conflict with Councillor Balogun, but I don't remember anything else about him.

Thnks for this refreshing flashback of my favourate TV series

Omo oni rice tide
Omo oni rice tide..
Alake.. Alake.. omo oni rice tide..

I just remember my primary school days with relish when i read through.meeen!!.I was so young then but i still remembers every thing about play.Iluyomade was a teacher in the later series if i can recall and chief Arigbabo(short for of Arigbabuowo)some one who has calabash to fetch money was introduced too later.Richer that chancellor Balogun and so most times they are always on opposing side.Chancellor Balogun later became a king in Aramoko Ekiti(dont know if he is still alive) Knew his House in Isheri Berger in those days.Chief Eleyinmi Later became a king in one of the towns in Ogun state(forgot the Name) Heard he is no more(may be wrong).
Don't know if any soap can beat THE NEW VILLAGE HEADMASTER.

nija80:
I just remember my primary school days with relish when i read through.meeen!!.I was so young then but i still remembers every thing about play.Iluyomade was a teacher in the later series if i can recall and chief Arigbabo(short for of Arigbabuowo)some one who has calabash to fetch money was introduced too later.Richer that chancellor Balogun and so most times they are always on opposing side.Chancellor Balogun later became a king in Aramoko Ekiti(dont know if he is still alive) Knew his House in Isheri Berger in those days.Chief Eleyinmi Later became a king in one of the towns in Ogun state(forgot the Name) Heard he is no more(may be wrong).
Don't know if any soap can beat THE NEW VILLAGE HEADMASTER.

Eleyinmi was a king in ode remo.. and yes he is no more..
Some of them are deceased..
Garuba..
Councilor Balogun..
The headmaster..
Sisi Clara. .

I think Tinsel is the longest Nigerian TV series. It has been on since 2008 and is still running.

Proudlyngwa:
We need to work on a digital format on storing some of these things with view to recreate.
I hope the NTA's of Lagos , Ibadan and Jos still have this works.

9jakohai:


Unfortunately not.

NTA should start a channel....NTA Oldies....where they show old series like that...and put it on DSTV and Startimes bouquets!

Shinor:
If rumours are anything to go by, then the original tapes have been wiped off by NTA Victoria Island by recording other programmes on them.
Just like the African Nations Cup 1980 (hosted in Nigeria) tapes are no longer available at the NTA studios.

persius555:


Seconded. It will remind us of who we were and who we should be. A nice nolstagic sense of belonging. Let's hope someone in NTA is reading this.

seguno2:
An entrepreneur should remaster the series like someone did for Fela's music.
Surely it will bring so much joy to our old, retired folks who will be ready to buy them or be gifted by another person who will buy.

I also heard rumours that all the tapes of the first series were dubbed over. But there are a few videos of the second series (and other NTA shows from the 1980s) on NTA2 Channel 5's YouTube channel.

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0A76DB082CA2CB85

20) Lawyer Iyanda (played by Sam Agbebi). He appeared many years after the first lawyer. The Oloja and Chief Eleyinmi often called him "Baby Lawyer".

Iyanda, used to be the palace messenger before he traveled, and later returned to Oja as a lawyer.

You forgot chief Faderin (hunter of rabbits, rats and cockroaches) according to Eleyinmi. He is also a member of the Oja customary court judges.

shevon:
I think Tinsel is the longest Nigerian TV series. It has been on since 2008 and is still running.

That's not even up to ten years. Village Headmaster was on air from 1968-1984, then from 1985-1991.

nija80:
I just remember my primary school days with relish when i read through.meeen!!.I was so young then but i still remembers every thing about play.Iluyomade was a teacher in the later series if i can recall and chief Arigbabo(short for of Arigbabuowo)some one who has calabash to fetch money was introduced too later.Richer that chancellor Balogun and so most times they are always on opposing side.Chancellor Balogun later became a king in Aramoko Ekiti(dont know if he is still alive) Knew his House in Isheri Berger in those days.Chief Eleyinmi Later became a king in one of the towns in Ogun state(forgot the Name) Heard he is no more(may be wrong).
Don't know if any soap can beat THE NEW VILLAGE HEADMASTER.

Thank you so very much for this.

bababuff:
20) Lawyer Iyanda (played by Sam Agbebi). He appeared many years after the first lawyer. The Oloja and Chief Eleyinmi often called him "Baby Lawyer".

Iyanda, used to be the palace messenger before he traveled, and later returned to Oja as a lawyer.

Thank you very much.

naptu2:


Thank you very much.

I just remember my primary school days with relish when i read through.meeen!!.I was so young then but i still remembers every thing about play.Iluyomade was a teacher in the later series if i can recall and chief Arigbabo(short for of Arigbabuowo)some one who has calabash to fetch money grin was introduced too later.Richer that chancellor Balogun and so most times they are always on opposing side.Chancellor Balogun later became a king in Aramoko Ekiti(dont know if he is still alive) Knew his House in Isheri Berger in those days.Chief Eleyinmi Later became a king in one of the towns in Ogun state(forgot the Name) Heard he is no more(may be wrong).
Don't know if any soap can beat THE NEW VILLAGE HEADMASTER.

There was also one counselor Bamise, that came in when Balogun left.

memories

Never liked Garuba, he was always complaining. Chief Eleyimi was my favourite. Miss them good old days.

naptu2:


That's not even up to ten years. Village Headmaster was on air from 1968-1984, then from 1985-1991.

Really, I had no idea it was airing in the 60's, I was aware it ran in the 80's sha. Thanks for the correction.

You don old well well be that o.

Ishilove:
Gosh I loved this series

I will love to av dz.

I almost forgot, Toun Oni was Eleyinmi's wife, right?

naptu2:
Characters

1) Kabiyesi, The Oloja of Oja, Oba Adelende the 2nd (played by Dejumo Lewis). Early 1970s-1990. He was the king of the village. I loved the way that he said "Moi People" (my people) and the way he ascended the steps to his throne. He would climb up the steps, reverse back down, climb up again, reverse again and climb up a third time before sitting on the throne. He often settled disputes in his palace and was the main authority figure in the village. He was a very wise King.

2) Headmaster, Mr Gabriel Fagade (played by Ted Mukoro) 1968-1972. He was the first village headmaster.

3) Headmaster, Mr Ife Araba (played by Femi Robinson) 1972-1984. He was the second village headmaster (and my first village headmaster). He often had to clear up the misconceptions of the people, especially about new government policies, technology or new developments in the town. He was always a voice of reason and he was often the one who helped to restore sanity after Amebo's rumours had caused confusion in the village. There were many episodes that ended with the headmaster explaining to the Oloja how the crisis in the village was started and advising him on how such problems could be avoided in future.

Femi Robinson later hosted Shopper's Guide on NTA2 Channel 5 (1984-1987).

4) Headmaster, Mr Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali (played by Justus Esiri) 1985-1990. He was the headmaster throughout the second series. I remember the first episode in which he appeared. The storyline was that Mr Ife Araba was transferred to Jebaco and Mr Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali was transferred from Jebaco to Oja. He had a wife (whose screen name I can't remember, but, in real life, she served as a minister in Goodluck Jonathan's administration), a very beautiful daughter called Laraba and a relative called Doyin. One of the first episodes of the second series (New Village Headmaster) revolved around friction between Laraba and Doyin. Laraba also got a lot of romantic proposals from the teachers in Oja, especially teachers Garuba and Oghene, but she wasn't interested in any of them. I think Mr Garuba had an affair with Doyin, but I can't remember for sure.



Mr Aderibigbe Ali and Chief Eleyinmi.

5) Chief (Nicodemus Ologbenla) Eleyinmi (played by Funsho Adeolu). Early 1970s - 1990. This was one of the most interesting characters on the show. He was the second in command to the Oloja (sort of like a prime minister or vice president of the village). He was also the president of the customary court. He had a lot of bombastic catch phrases like, "with immediate effect and automatic alacrity", "konkobility", "nonsense and ingredients", etc. He also created nicknames for many of the characters in the village (some of which were not very flattering).

He was a force for good and often helped the Oloja to solve the problems of the village.

Funsho Adeolu later became an oba in real life.



Chief Eleyinmi.


6) Councillor Balogun (played by Wole Amele). Early 1980s-early 1990s. Councillor Balogun was an over-ambitious politician, whose ambition usually led to crisis in the village. He was often at loggerheads with the palace, but often ended up apologising to the Oloja.

He was fond of challenging Chief Eleyinmi's position (because he felt that he was more important than Eleyinmi) and whenever Councillor Balogun was pleading with the Oloja for mercy, Eleyinmi would advocate that Councillor Balogun should be punished severely for the problems that he caused in the village.

Councillor Balogun was also probably the richest person in the village.

Wole Amele, who played the role of Councilor Balogun, later became an oba in real life.

7) Amebo (played by Ibidun Alison). She is the village gossip and bar owner. Chief Eleyinmi often called her "Radio Oja". She is usually well intentioned, but she's not well educated and she often stumbles on information that she doesn't quite understand, misinterpretes it and spreads her misinterpreted story all over the village. This often leads to crisis and confusion.

Amebo would often quietly enter the palace while an important discussion is going on and she would sit down unnoticed. Then, after a while, Eleyinmi would notice her and immediately stop speaking. He would call her "Radio Oja" and rain his humorous and indirect insults on her. She would protest to the Oloja, who would stop Eleyinmi from teasing her. Then Eleyinmi would suggest that they continue their discussion later (when Amebo is not around). But it's already too late, Ambo has already heard and misunderstood part of what's being said.



Amebo's bar.

8 ) Sisi Clara (played by Elsie Olusola). 1968-1988. Clara Fagade was the wife of the first village headmaster, Gabriel Fagade. She was Amebo's friend, but she was much smarter than Amebo (she had native intelligence). She would often rebuke Amebo when she starts gossiping. Sisi Clara was a businesswoman, but I can't quite remember what her business was (I think she was a seamstress).
I was in awe of this woman. She proved that what teachers and parents said was not true. Parents and teachers often tried to stop kids from speaking pidgin English, because they believed that it would impair the child's ability to speak proper English, but Chief (Mrs) Elsie Olusola spoke the sweetest Waffi when she was in character and spoke flawless Queen's English in real life.

9) Gorimapa (played by Albert Olayemi). Gorimapa was the palace servant, messenger and town crier. He was known for his close-shaven head and he often sat at the foot of the throne. Chief Eleyinmi called him, "Gorimapa Adorin Sahara Desert" (while rubbing Gorimapa's shaved head).

10) "Dr" Bassey Okon (played by the great JAB Adu). 1968- c1984. He was the first owner of the village chemist/supermarket. He was a dispenser in Burma during World War 2. He was called "Doctor", even though he wasn't actually a doctor. I loved the way that he exclaimed "Chai! Chai! Chai!"

JAB Adu was one of my favourite actors and it seemed like I had been watching him on TV all my life. I first got to know him from the Village Headmaster and Adio Family in the late 1970s and early 1980s, then he played the lead role in The Turning Wheel on OGTV in the mid1980s. He did a sitcom on a private tv station in the late 1990s (I can't remember the name of the sitcom), then he was on Story, Story - Voices From The Market Place on BBC World Service Radio in the late 1990s and 2000s. He then acted in a few episodes of Tinsel, where he played the part of Fred Ade Williams' doctor and then he acted in Livin' In Lagos (a sitcom) in 2010.

11) Okoro (played by the great Jimmy Johnson). early 1980s- c1988. Jimmy Johnson was the second owner of the chemist/supermarket. He was very fond of his snuff box and people can easily remember the very loud sneezing that accompanied his sessions with his snuff. He also had a short temper.

12) Boniface (played by Asuquo Ukwak). He was the sales boy at the village chemist. Chief Eleyinmi called him, "Boniface, Boni-nose, Boni-mouth". He was unhappy because he felt that he was better educated than his bosses (Bassey Okon and Okoro). An arranged marriage was once organised for him, but he fled when he discovered that his bride to be was a little child.

13) Kokonsari (played by Leke Ajao). He was the village chief priest.

14) Dagbolu (played by Dan Imoudu). I'll use the first episode he appeared in to describe him.

Councillor Balogun was up to his usual mischief and the Oloja and Eleyinmi tried to call him to order, but he brought a powerful socerer called Dagbolu to the palace. A mystic battle ensued between Dagbolu and Kokonsari. Unbelievably, Dagbolu was able to overpower Kokonsari and the Oloja fell ill at the end of the battle.

The Oloja was ill and nobody was allowed to see him. Ambo overhead a conversation about the Oloja's illness, misunderstood it and went to the streets to spread a rumour that the Oloja was dead.

There was confusion in the village. There was a rumour that the Oloja was dead, but palace officials insisted that he wasn't dead, yet nobody could see him. Who would lead the village? Who would provide direction?

Councillor Balogun returned to the palace with Dagbolu , disrespected Eleyinmi and was about to sit on the throne when the Oloja came out of the inner chamber. Dagbolu tried to recite his incantations, but he fainted and then we were reminded that the Oloja was the igbakeji orisa (lieutenant of the gods).

Apologies for any errors. I wrote all of that from memory.

15) Teacher Garuba (played by Joe Layode). He was a pompous, but grumpy teacher, who was unhappy about his position in life (he felt that he deserved better). He often drank away his unhappiness at Amebo's bar.
Teacher Garuba competed with Teacher Oghene for the affections of Laraba and later Doyin.

16) Teacher Oghene (played by Melville Obriango). He was known for his white shirt, tie, shorts and cane. He was a more cheerful teacher than Teacher Garuba and he often got into conflicts with Garuba (who was much older than him). Teacher Garuba was grumpy and did things by the book. He had an exaggerated sense of his own importance. Teacher Oghene was more cheerful and approachable.

17) Policeman (played by Enebeli Elebuwa). I can't remember his actual name in the show (he was always addressed by his title, Inspector). He was the policeman who came down from Jebaco to resolve problems in Oja.

Enebeli Elebuwa was typecast as a policeman in my mind, because he also later played the role of a policeman (Inspector Ben Alamu) in the Turning Wheel.

18) Fathia Okon (played by Roseline Birch). She was "Dr" Bassey Okon's teenage daughter, who helped him in the shop.

19) Lawyer (played by Albert Egbe). I also can't remember his screen name, but he handled cases in Eleyinmi's court.

Albert Egbe later acted in Jagua Nana's Daughter and was the first Basi in Basi And Company.

20) Lawyer Iyanda (played by Sam Agbebi). He appeared many years after the first lawyer. The Oloja and Chief Eleyinmi often called him "Baby Lawyer".


Lawyer Iyanda arguing his case in Chief Eleyinmi's court.

21) Chief Afilaka. I've been trying to remember his screen name, but I couldn't until someone reminded me a few days ago. That's because I remember him by the name that Eleyinmi often called him, "Chief Tain Tain".

Chief Afilaka was never seen without a toothpick in his mouth and Eleyinmi labelled him Chief Tain Tain, mimicking the sound that he makes when he is picking his teeth. Eleyinmi didn't like Chief Afilaka because he was richer than him.

22) The Prince (1989-1990). In order to compete with the very popular soap operas like Ripples, Supple Blues and Behind The Clouds that debuted in the late 1980s, producers of Village Headmaster introduced the character of the Prince. He was the Oloja's son who had been in the US for a very long time and suddenly returned to Oja.

23) Mrs Ali (played by Patricia Akwashiki). She was Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali's wife.
Patricia Akwashiki was the last minister of information in the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

24) Lakunle Ojo (played by Layi Ashadele).

There are other people whose names I remember, but I don't remember the roles they played.

25) Iluyomade. There was a character called Iluyomade. I'm certain of it. I remember the Oloja saying the name Iluyomade, but I don't remember what his role was.

26) Chief Aribabu. I also remember that there was someone called Aribabu and that he was always in conflict with Councillor Balogun, but I don't remember anything else about him.

Great job Naptu2.
You brought back memories of my childhood. The Village headmaster ran on NTV on Sunday's at 8 'o clock in the evenings. Of course television stations closed at 12midnight and resumed at 4 pm in the evenings the next day so The Village headmaster was prime time television before the news at 9pm.
My whole family would gather around our JVC black and white 20 inch television with wooden sliding doors to watch the grainy pictures and pray ECN(PHCH) would not strike until the programme ended.
And I am talking about the original series with Ted Mukoro as headmaster,Elsie Olusola as Sisi Clara, Ibidun Allison as Amebo,Joe Layode as teacher Garuba, Layi Ashadele as Ojo Yewuge, and Jab Adu as Dr Bassey Okon.
I hope you are aware that in the original series there was no Kabiyesi Ajelende or Chief Elenyinmi, they were characters later added as the series progressed. And if I remember correctly Bassey Okon daughter in the first few episodes was called Ekaette.

Once again nice one .

The fact that comments here are so few reveals the great number of kids on nairaland. Honestly we have failed as a nation to preserve great media works of the past. We are almost becoming a nation without history.

The memories of village headmaster brings tears to my eyes. Like someone said earlier, where did we get it wrong as a country.

The actors of village headmaster has made their mark and footprints in the sands of time.

What legacy are we leaving for our next generation?

bababuff:
20) Lawyer Iyanda (played by Sam Agbebi). He appeared many years after the first lawyer. The Oloja and Chief Eleyinmi often called him "Baby Lawyer".

Iyanda, used to be the palace messenger before he traveled, and later returned to Oja as a lawyer.

You forgot chief Faderin (hunter of rabbits, rats and cockroaches) according to Eleyinmi. He is also a member of the Oja customary court judges.

Very correct.
Iyanda was the palace messenger before he traveled out and returned to the New Village headmaster as Lawyer Iyanda and put the Chairman of the Oja village customary court right on a lot of his archaic judgements. The chairman of the Oja customary court was Chief Elenyinmi,whose hands were always hidden under his flowing agbada gown.
Nostalgia.
Naptu2, your threads always stir memories. Thank you sir.

And the gongs that heralded the beginning of the programe.
Gbagan!
Gbagaun!!
Gbaun!!!
It was like it was a summons to come and watch and share in a story about a village that was a mirror of Nigeria.
Once again thanks to Naptu2.

[quote author=naptu2 post=52581420]Characters

4) Headmaster, Mr Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali (played by Justus Esiri) He had a wife (whose screen name I can't remember, but, in real life, she served as a minister in Goodluck Jonathan's administration), she is[b] Senator Patricia Akwashiki[/b] a very beautiful daughter called Laraba. Mr Naptu, is it possible to get any episode or video clip with Laraba. I would be really grateful if i could lay my hand on that. I happen to know her personally and would love to surprise her...lol

Nice research Mr Naptu....

Proudlyngwa:

If you are in Lagos, you can ask the V.I studio if the still have the originals.
I will talk to my cousins in Jos ,if the can get some of the old series, either via NTA jos or PRTV, when next am at Aba, I will check with NTA Aba, as this are the stations I remember watching them on.

Please keep us updated if you lay ur hands on any of the series. The second series in particular. Thank you