Yetunde Barnabas’ Movie Title Change Sparks Controversy
Nollywood actress Yetunde Barnabas has come under fresh scrutiny after changing the title of her upcoming movie from Yemoja to Olokun. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Yoruba traditionalists, who argue that the two deities are entirely distinct and that filmmakers are misrepresenting Yoruba spirituality.
The matter has reportedly been brought before the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), with both bodies said to be addressing the concerns raised.
Why Yetunde Barnabas Changed the Movie Title
Barnabas, who is married to a Nigerian footballer, initially explained that the title change was necessary after discovering that some YouTube platforms were already using her promotional images to advertise a different production titled Yemoja. She believed the adjustment would prevent confusion among movie lovers and protect her work from being misrepresented.
However, this explanation has not convinced custodians of Yoruba traditional religion, who view the change as a deeper issue of cultural insensitivity.
Traditionalist Questions the Switch
One of the strongest reactions came from Yoruba traditionalist Rosanwo, who openly questioned the actress's decision. Using a striking analogy, she asked whether a filmmaker could simply rename a movie centred on Ogun as Sango after production had already been completed, as reported by The PUNCH.
"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 argued.
According to her, the decision reflects a misunderstanding of Yoruba indigenous beliefs, where Yemoja, Osun, and Olokun are regarded as separate deities with unique identities and histories. She further expressed concern over what she described as the repeated portrayal of Yoruba deities as mythical half-human, half-fish creatures, which she said distorts authentic Yoruba spirituality and misinforms younger generations about indigenous beliefs.
Rosanwo maintained that the revered Irúnmọlẹ̀ were divine beings who walked the earth as complete human beings before becoming Òrìṣà, insisting they should not be reduced to foreign "Mammy Water" imagery. She also claimed that Olokun, within authentic Yoruba Isese tradition, is recognised as a revered male Irúnmọlẹ̀ rather than a mermaid.
NFVCB and TAMPAN Step In
Rosanwo disclosed that members of the Molokun sect across Ijebu and other parts of Yorubaland had reported the issue to the NFVCB and TAMPAN. She appealed to both organisations to review the movie before its release, stressing that her intervention was not aimed at restricting creativity but at ensuring filmmakers portray Yoruba indigenous religion accurately.
She later revealed that both the NFVCB and TAMPAN had acknowledged the complaints and were engaging with the issues raised.
Barnabas’ Previous Explanation
Before the latest criticism emerged, Barnabas had explained on her Instagram page that the title change was purely a practical decision. According to the actress, she discovered that some online platforms had begun using her promotional materials to advertise another movie titled Yemoja, making it necessary to adopt a different title to avoid misleading audiences.
Yetunde Barnabas Celebrates Her Husband
In related news, Yetunde Barnabas recently celebrated her husband's success by sharing photos on social media. She congratulated her hubby while thanking God for helping him through a long, arduous season. Yetunde wrote: "Way to Go GOD is the Greatest Congratulations My Champ."
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between creative expression and cultural accuracy in Nollywood, as filmmakers increasingly draw on Yoruba mythology for inspiration.
