By Ghazali Ibrahim
One of the most celebrated Yoruba-language films in Nigeria’s television series history, Agbara Nla, is set to return to the screen in a remake that is already generating excitement among movie lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
The planned revival of the classic film has sparked conversations about the representation of Yoruba culture and traditional beliefs in Nigerian television series, with many stakeholders hoping the new production will offer a more balanced and authentic portrayal of indigenous traditions.
Among those who have reacted to the development is a Nigerian Writer, Kayode Badmus, who expressed optimism about the remake while reflecting on Nollywood’s historical treatment of African traditional religion.
In a social media post, Badmus argued that for decades, many Nigerian films portrayed traditional religion primarily as a source of evil, often depicting traditional worshippers, witches and ritualists as villains who were eventually defeated by Christian or Islamic figures.
He noted that while filmmakers such as Pastor Mike Bamiloye and veteran actor Alhaji Yekini Ajileye contributed significantly to the growth of the Nigerian movie industry, many productions from that era reinforced negative stereotypes about indigenous beliefs.
Badmus, however, praised renowned filmmaker Tunde Kelani for helping to challenge such narratives through films like Thunderbolt (Magun), released in 2001.
According to him, the film demonstrated how Yoruba traditional systems could be presented in a more nuanced manner while also addressing broader social issues.
The actor described Yoruba traditional religion as an important aspect of Yoruba cultural identity and urged filmmakers to avoid reducing it to stories centered on witchcraft and criminality.
With Agbara Nla now poised for a return, Badmus said he hopes the remake will contribute positively to the ongoing effort to showcase Yoruba culture in a more accurate and respectful light.
“More people are becoming reawakened to correct this anomaly, and one would hope this upcoming remake of Agbara Nla also makes an attempt to do right by Yoruba culture,” he said.
Although details of the production, including its release date and cast, have yet to be officially announced, the remake is expected to rekindle interest in one of Yoruba cinema’s most memorable titles while introducing the story to a new generation of viewers.
