Traditionalist Criticizes Yetunde Barnabas Over Representation of Yoruba Deities in New Film

A prominent traditionalist and custodian of Yoruba Isese tradition, Abiola Rosanwo, has publicly criticized actress and filmmaker Yetunde Barnabas for her portrayal of Yoruba deities in her upcoming film, Olokun Mermaid.

The controversy centers on the film’s depiction of deities such as Yemoja and Olokun as mermaid-like beings. Rosanwo, speaking as the Yeye Owonrin Ojose Isara Remo, argued that these portrayals fundamentally misrepresent Yoruba spiritual heritage. She emphasized that within authentic Isese tradition, Yemoja and Olokun are distinct divine entities and should not be confused with Western or other foreign “mermaid” concepts.

“Our Irúnmọlẹ̀ are not mythical half-human, half-fish creatures,” Rosanwo stated. “To replace our heritage with foreign imagery is to misinform the public and dishonor our cultural and spiritual legacy.” She further noted that, in the traditional belief system, Olokun is recognized as a male deity, and characterizing the entity as a mermaid is historically and culturally inaccurate.

The film, which was originally titled *Yemoja* before being renamed *Olokun Mermaid* by the producer, has faced pushback from practitioners who argue that the casual rebranding of such figures shows a lack of depth regarding their individual identities.

In response to the backlash, Rosanwo confirmed that she has reached out to regulatory bodies, including the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). She submitted a formal request for a review of the film to ensure that the content does not distort indigenous beliefs.

Following her outreach, the traditionalist reported that both the NFVCB and TAMPAN have initiated a dialogue regarding the concerns. She expressed optimism that these discussions would lead to a more collaborative approach, encouraging future filmmakers to consult with recognized traditional custodians when depicting sensitive spiritual subjects.

Neither Yetunde Barnabas nor her production team have issued a detailed formal statement regarding the specific content of the film, though the actress has acknowledged the change in the production’s title on social media. The intervention highlights an ongoing tension between creative artistic expression in the Nigerian film industry and the desire of traditionalists to maintain the integrity of cultural and spiritual narratives.