Nollywood actress Yetunde Barnabas has come under fire over her decision to rename her forthcoming movie from Yemoja to Olokun, a move that has sparked criticism from Yoruba traditionalists..Re.ad Full & Video H3re..>>>
Barnabas had earlier explained that the title change became necessary after discovering that some YouTube channels were already using her promotional materials to advertise a different production bearing the title Yemoja. According to the actress, who is married to Nigerian footballer Peter Olayinka, the new title was intended to prevent confusion among viewers.
However, her explanation has failed to satisfy some custodians of the Yoruba traditional religion.
One of the most vocal critics, Yoruba traditionalist Rosanwo, questioned the decision, arguing that Yemoja and Olokun are distinct deities in Yoruba spirituality and should not be used interchangeably.
Drawing an analogy, she asked whether a filmmaker could produce a movie about Ogun and later rename it Sango after filming had been completed.
“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 stated.
Rosanwo maintained that the title change reflects a misunderstanding of Yoruba indigenous beliefs, stressing that Yemoja, Osun and Olokun are separate deities with unique identities, histories and spiritual significance.
She also criticised what she described as the recurring portrayal of Yoruba deities as mythical half-human, half-fish creatures, arguing that such depictions distort the true teachings of Yoruba spirituality and misinform younger generations.
According to her, the Irúnmọlẹ̀ were divine beings who lived on earth as complete human beings before becoming Òrìṣà, insisting they should not be reduced to the foreign concept of “Mammy Water.” She further stated that, within the Yoruba Isese tradition, Olokun is revered as a male Irúnmọlẹ̀ rather than a mermaid.
Rosanwo disclosed that members of the Molokun sect across Ijebu and other parts of Yorubaland had reported the issue to the Federal Government through the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), urging both bodies to review the movie before its release.
In an open letter, she emphasised that her intervention was not intended to suppress artistic creativity but to encourage accurate representation of Yoruba indigenous religion in films.
She later revealed that both the NFVCB and TAMPAN had acknowledged the complaints and were engaging with the issues raised.
Before the backlash intensified, Yetunde Barnabas had reiterated on her Instagram page that the decision to rename the movie was purely a practical measure aimed at preventing confusion among audiences.
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A new check on Yetunde Barnabas Instagram page a few hours ago confirmed that she has changed the movie title back to Yemoja.
She wrote, “Please read 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Out of love for our culture, deep respect for tradition and consideration for some of my fans whose beliefs do not align with using Olokun and Mermaid together, I have decided to change the title back to its original name YEMOJA.
I sincerely apologize to anyone who felt disrespected by my use of Olokun and Mermaid in the same context or felt I did not represent the tradition appropriately. Thank you to everyone who corrected me with kindness and respect. I will always remain open to learning and being corrected because I make these movies for you, and I deeply value your trust and support.
With that said, YEMOJA premieres on July 3rd exclusively on @yetundebarnabastv, It’s a beautiful, visually stunning film that I’m incredibly proud of, and I can’t wait for you all to experience it.
Thank you for standing with me. ❤️ Please when it out watch,share and support YEMOJA on July 3rd.
To everyone who reached out with love and concern thank you and I don’t take your love for less 👊.”
See her post below;
