By Oladipo Oluwatosin
As anticipation builds for the release of Agbara Nla: The Return, a fresh cultural and spiritual debate has erupted across social media, placing Nigeria's foremost faith-based film ministry, Mount Zion Faith Ministries, once again at the center of public discourse.
The controversy began when some critics accused Mount Zion of perpetuating narratives that portray Yoruba spirituality and traditional practices as evil while elevating Christianity as the sole path to truth. One of the loudest criticisms argued that for over three decades, films such as Agbara Nla have contributed to the demonization of Yoruba traditional beliefs and indigenous spirituality.
However, Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, popularly known as Jaymikee and son of renowned evangelist and filmmaker Evang. Mike Bamiloye, wasted no time in responding. In a strongly worded reaction, he challenged critics to first understand the message of Mount Zion before condemning it. According to him, the ministry has consistently celebrated Yoruba language, customs, proverbs, royal traditions, and cultural heritage while simultaneously preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Culture Is Not Worship
At the heart of the controversy lies a misunderstanding that many scholars, theologians, and cultural advocates have debated for decades: the difference between culture and worship.
Culture refers to the way people live. It includes language, dressing, greetings, food, music, values, folklore, leadership systems, marriage customs, and social identity. Worship, on the other hand, concerns devotion to a deity or spiritual power.
A Yoruba man can speak Yoruba fluently, wear agbada, honor traditional greetings, respect kingship institutions, recite proverbs, celebrate cultural festivals, and still be a committed Christian. Likewise, a Muslim or traditional worshipper can participate in aspects of Yoruba culture without sharing the same religious beliefs.
This distinction was central to Joshua's response. He pointed to examples in Mount Zion films where Christian characters remain deeply rooted in Yoruba identity while abandoning practices they believe conflict with biblical teachings. According to him, the Gospel does not erase culture; it transforms the heart.
The Historical Context
The tension between Christianity and traditional religion is not unique to the Yoruba people. Similar debates have occurred across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas wherever Christianity encountered indigenous belief systems.
Many early missionaries unfortunately failed to separate culture from religion, leading to the rejection of certain cultural practices that were not inherently spiritual. This historical reality has created lingering suspicion whenever Christian ministries produce films that address traditional worship.
Critics argue that indigenous religions deserve fair representation and should not always be depicted through the lens of fear, witchcraft, or spiritual oppression. Supporters of Mount Zion, however, maintain that the ministry simply dramatizes spiritual conflicts based on its biblical worldview and convictions.
What Mount Zion Actually Represents
Supporters of Mount Zion note that focusing solely on Agbara Nla ignores the ministry's extensive body of work. Over the years, Mount Zion has produced hundreds of films covering marriage, family values, youth challenges, discipleship, integrity, leadership, evangelism, corruption, addiction, and societal transformation.
To them, reducing the ministry's entire legacy to a few traditional-themed productions is both unfair and inaccurate.
Joshua's response echoed this position. He argued that critics are judging an entire ministry through a narrow cultural lens while overlooking decades of storytelling centered on moral values and Christian discipleship.
Why the Debate Matters
The conversation surrounding Agbara Nla: The Return goes beyond cinema. It reflects a larger national question:
Can Nigerians celebrate their cultural heritage while remaining faithful to their religious convictions?
Many believe the answer is yes.
Culture provides identity. Religion provides faith. While they often intersect, they are not always the same thing.
A Christian may reject the worship of certain deities while embracing Yoruba language and customs. A traditional worshipper may preserve ancestral spiritual practices while also participating in broader cultural expressions shared by all Yoruba people. The distinction is crucial for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The Publicity Effect
Ironically, the controversy may be doing more to promote Agbara Nla: The Return than any marketing campaign could achieve. Every criticism has generated new conversations, renewed interest in the original 1993 classic, and increased curiosity about the remake.
Social media platforms are now filled with debates from both sides, with many observers calling for patience and objectivity.
Their argument is simple: watch the movie first before passing judgment.
Final Reflection
Whether one agrees with Mount Zion's theological position or not, the Agbara Nla controversy has exposed an important truth: culture and worship are not synonymous.
A people's language, attire, proverbs, music, and royal institutions can survive and flourish irrespective of religious affiliation. The challenge for modern society is learning how to separate cultural preservation from spiritual allegiance without diminishing either.
As October 1, 2026 approaches, Agbara Nla: The Return is no longer just a movie. It has become a conversation about identity, faith, heritage, and the delicate balance between honoring culture and defending belief.
And perhaps that conversation is exactly why the film matters.
