Joshua Mike-Bamiloye Defends Mount Zion Films Amid Criticism Over Yoruba Spirituality Portrayals
Gospel singer and filmmaker Joshua Mike-Bamiloye has responded to criticism directed at Mount Zion Films, rejecting claims that the Christian film ministry portrays Yoruba culture and spirituality in a negative light.
The debate emerged after Mount Zion announced that Agbara Nla, one of its most recognised productions, will return to cinemas on October 1, 2026, more than three decades after its original release.
Following the announcement, an X user identified as Ifẹ́ṣọlá accused the ministry of consistently depicting Yoruba spirituality as evil while presenting Christianity as superior. The user argued that audiences are increasingly challenging such portrayals.
Reacting to the criticism, Joshua Mike-Bamiloye said the accusations misrepresent the message and body of work produced by Mount Zion Films.
According to him, the ministry has never sought to erase or condemn Yoruba culture. Instead, he said its productions frequently celebrate aspects of Yoruba heritage, including language, traditional proverbs, colours, customs and royal institutions.
To support his argument, he referenced the popular character Abejoye, noting that the character retained his Yoruba identity, language and respect for traditional authority after embracing Christianity.
Mike-Bamiloye maintained that Mount Zion’s storytelling is centred on spiritual transformation rather than cultural rejection. He argued that the themes explored in the films focus on the struggle between good and evil, not a conflict between Yoruba beliefs and a foreign religion.
Addressing suggestions that the ministry profits from portraying traditional spirituality negatively, he pointed to the breadth of Mount Zion’s catalogue, saying only a small portion of its productions are set within traditional religious contexts.
He stated that the ministry has produced more than 200 films and argued that critics are drawing conclusions based on a minority of those works rather than the full body of content.
The filmmaker also encouraged viewers to watch the films in their entirety before forming opinions about their themes and messages.
His response comes as anticipation builds for the remastered release of Agbara Nla, which is scheduled to return to cinemas on October 1, 2026, introducing the classic film to a new generation of viewers while reigniting conversations about faith, culture and representation in Nigerian cinema.
