Stop misrepresenting traditional religion in films- traditionalist tells filmmakers

A Traditionalist, Prince Ayinla Oniru, on Sunday called on Nollywood filmmakers to desist from misrepresenting African traditional religion and culture in films.

Oniru made the call in an interview with the Touritainment in Lagos.

He said most of the films produced in Nigeria were portraying traditional religion as fetish which was a wrong message being conveyed to the populace.

He said the religion was such that value and respect humanity, and also frowned at everything fetish in ritual killings as being portrayed in movies.

Oniru said that this had done a lot of harms to traditional cultures and beliefs that many now attached evil to them.

According to him, the religion was perfectly practised before the advent of Christianity and Islam.

He however appealed to Nollywood filmmakers to stop misleading viewers on what the traditional religion trully is.

“It is not in line with traditional religion to cut people’s head for money ritual as being portrayed in films.

“Also, witchcraft is not synonymous with traditional religion.

“Engaging mystical powers to disappear from a terrorising scene, display of wickedness in killing people prematurely, altering people’s destiny and all are not part of traditional religion.

“We value human lives and haste wickedness. 

“I appeal to our filmmakers to desist from portraying traditional religion as being fetish, wicked and inhuman religion so that people are not misled,” he said.

Oniru urged Nigerians to embrace traditional religion.

He noted that countries where traditional religion is being practised like Cuba, Brazil, Mexico and all, have enriched themselves through religious tourism.

He urged the Federal Government to also look in the direction of taking conscious efforts in encouraging the growth of religious tourism to boost nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said government at all level should promote the religion for equity and inclusion.