A prominent traditionalist has fiercely criticised Nollywood actress and filmmaker Yetunde Barnabas for what she describes as gross misrepresentation of Yoruba deities in her upcoming movie, Olokun Mermaid, accusing her of distorting sacred Isese traditions.
Abiola Rosanwo, who identifies as the Yeye Owonrin Ojose Isara Remo and a custodian of Yoruba Isese tradition, took to social media to express strong disapproval of the film’s portrayal of Yemoja and Olokun as mermaids or fish-like beings.
“If the name of your movie was Ogun, can you change the name to Sango after production? Yemoja is not Olokun. Olokun is not a mermaid. Yemoja also is not a mermaid or a fish.”
She insisted that Yemoja, Olokun, and Osun are distinct deities with separate identities and should not be conflated or depicted using foreign mythical imagery.
“Our Irúnmọlẹ̀ are not mythical half-human, half-fish creatures. They are sacred divine beings. Those who later became Òrìṣà walked the earth as complete human beings before their transition. To replace that heritage with foreign imagery is to misinform the public and dishonour our cultural and spiritual legacy.”
Barnabas had initially titled the project Yemoja before changing it to Olokun Mermaid after discovering that other productions had used her image on YouTube. Rosanwo argued this change further reflected a misunderstanding of Yoruba beliefs.
The traditionalist revealed that members of the Molokun sect across Ijebu and other parts of Yorubaland have formally reported the matter to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), calling for a review before the film’s release.
“My concern was never directed at creativity or artistic expression. Rather, it stemmed from the responsibility we all share to protect the integrity of sacred indigenous traditions.”
Rosanwo also emphasised that Olokun is traditionally a revered male Irúnmọlẹ̀ in authentic Yoruba Isese practice, not a mermaid figure.
In an update, she expressed appreciation for the prompt response from NFVCB and TAMPAN officials, who are now engaging with the concerns raised. She hopes the situation will foster better collaboration between filmmakers and custodians of Yoruba indigenous knowledge whenever traditional religion is depicted on screen.
Yetunde Barnabas is yet to issue a public response to the criticism as the debate over cultural representation in Nollywood continues to intensify.