Mount Zion Films Defends Yoruba Culture Amid Criticism

Joshua Mike Bamiloye, a representative of Mount Zion Films, addressed criticisms that the organization demonizes Yoruba culture. The debate arose following the announcement of the film "Agbara Nla," which is scheduled for release on October 1, 2026, marking 30 years since its initial release.

Critics alleged that Mount Zion Films portrays Yoruba spirituality as evil, favoring a Christian belief system. In response, Bamiloye clarified that the films celebrate various aspects of Yoruba culture, including language, tradition, and proverbs, and do not attack it.

He cited characters like Abejoy, who embody Yoruba customs and language while being Christian. Bamiloye stated that Mount Zion Films focuses on spiritual transformation rather than erasing culture and rejected claims that it presents Christianity as a foreign religion opposed to Yoruba spirituality.

He urged audiences to scrutinize portrayals in films and emphasized that the narrative of demonizing Yoruba culture will no longer go unchallenged.