Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Overall Concept and Plot
Ireti Bidemi #9 pulls the curtain back on the series’ biggest villain, Kola Ajalu, and finally shows the painful road that shaped him into the threat terrorizing Bidemi and her family.
The issue starts with a flashback of Kola’s early life as the privileged son of the powerful Ajala family. We see how everything changed when he encountered the mysterious Mage (also known as Alalupayida), who introduced him to the supernatural Stone Blade. In a tragic moment (Page 15), Kola accidentally kills his father with the blade, a mistake that breaks him completely.
The Mage quickly takes advantage of Kola’s grief, claiming that the only way to reverse the Stone Blade’s curse is by getting the arm of Ireti Moremi’s descendant… which happens to be Bidemi. From that point on, Kola’s mission becomes a twisted mix of guilt, lies, and desperation.
Back in the present day, the story shifts to Bidemi’s captivity and her uneasy partnership with Ake (Pages 17–21). Their banter, their tension, and their “you better not annoy me” energy set the tone for the final showdown the series has been building toward.
Creative Team & Execution
The Comic Republic team delivers a dramatically charged and well-paced issue.
- Writer Jefferson Nnadiekwe expertly handles Kola’s tragic origin story, lending motivation to the antagonist. The use of Nigerian slang by Ake and Bidemi (“ghen ghen,” “bobo,” “Papa Ajasco”) provides authentic local flavour and humour to an otherwise dire situation (Page 17).
- Artist Rayne Rahman and Colorist Levis Chah maintain the series’ high visual standards, especially in capturing the intensity of Kola’s accidental patricide and the powerful moment Bidemi breaks her chains (Page 18).
Highlights of the Comic
1. Kola Ajalu’s Tragic Origin (Pages 15–16)
These pages show the moment Kola’s life collapses. His father’s accidental death, caused by the Stone Blade, is harsh, emotional, and life-changing. The Mage’s manipulation right afterward sets Kola on his dark path. This is easily one of the most important reveals in the series.
2. The Unlikely Alliance (Pages 17–21)
Bidemi and Ake’s interaction inside the holding cell is one of the most entertaining parts of the issue.
Their insults, Ake calling her “girly,” Bidemi mocking his “Papa Ajasco hairstyle”, give the story flavour.
Despite their differences, they agree to team up because, as Bidemi puts it, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
It’s funny, chaotic, and sets the stage for something big.
Art
Rayne Rahman’s artwork is strong throughout. The emotional scenes with Kola (Pages 15–16) are very expressive, while the action panels, especially when Bidemi snaps her chains (Page 18), are bold and energetic. The character poses and facial expressions help sell the story’s tension and humour.
Colouring
Levis Chah’s colouring matches the tone perfectly. The bright corporate feel of Ajala Towers (Page 6) contrasts nicely with the dark, moody environment of the holding cell. Shadows, highlights, and magical effects all blend well to create a smooth visual flow.
Why You Should Read It
Ireti Bidemi #9 is a must-read for anyone following the series.
It finally explains who Kola Ajalu really is and why he has been hunting Bidemi.
The emotional weight of his backstory, combined with Bidemi’s forced partnership with Ake, sets up an exciting final battle.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with strong Nigerian flavour, humour, magic, and tension, this issue delivers all of it.
Continue Reading
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