Nollywood actress and filmmaker Yetunde Barnabas has ignited another wave of controversy following the release of a teaser and pictures from her forthcoming movie, Yemoja. The project, originally titled Olokun, was renamed after backlash from Yoruba traditionalists who objected to the depiction of the deity.
Title Change Amid Controversy
Barnabas explained that the title change was necessary after discovering that some YouTube platforms were already using her promotional images to advertise a different production bearing the title Yemoja. She believed the adjustment would prevent confusion among movie lovers. However, the explanation did not convince some custodians of the Yoruba traditional religion. A Yoruba traditionalist, Rosanwo, openly questioned the actress's decision. Using a striking analogy, Rosanwo 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.
Teaser and Images Released
On Tuesday, June 30, Barnabas released a teaser from the movie, which is set to premiere on YouTube on Friday, July 3. She also shared pictures from a movie scene showing her in Yemoja costume while seated in a bathtub. In a caption, she wrote: "Like I said before you don’t want to miss EJA this Friday EJA premieres on July 3rd It’s a beautiful visually stunning film that I’m incredibly proud of and I can’t wait for you all to experience the magic."
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The pictures and teaser quickly drew mixed reactions from social media users. User omotee2303 commented: "Yemoja inside bathtub you never ready." Yusufmojisolaaminat said: "kikibakare dey snapped with iyemoja inside bathing tube." Kristiana00 noted: "Iyemeja oni corset." Igwe_da_men remarked: "Scary movies all the time. Can’t you produce a movie without the water or death stuff? Why are you so obsessed with water, victim of money rituals and other scary things?" Ibukunoluwa2210 added: "Weytin yemọja dey do inside bathtub... Go use the ocean." Olorun.l commented: "yetundebarnabas it is true that you are mami water,emere in real life, just asking." Theyenvyherrrr criticised the costume: "Who even helped her made this outfit? She for just wear the normal white garment wey dem Dey use act mami water. The whole make up is nice but the outfit is bad, see as the cloth sef over wide. Nah Sequence dem still use sew the tail."
Background on Yetunde Barnabas
Yetunde Barnabas is a Nollywood actress and filmmaker who has previously sparked reactions over her outfit to an Islamic event. She recently celebrated her husband's success, posting pictures on social media and thanking God for helping him through a long, arduous season. She wrote: "Way to Go GOD is the Greatest Congratulations My Champ."
