Joshua Bamiloye Fires Back: ‘Mount Zion Films Don’t Attack Yoruba Culture, We Expose Darkness

Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, son of Mount Zion Faith Ministries founder Mike Bamiloye, has responded to criticism that the ministry’s films portray Yoruba culture and spirituality negatively, insisting that the productions celebrate Yoruba heritage while addressing spiritual themes from a Christian perspective.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The debate resurfaced following the announcement that Agbara Nla, one of Mount Zion’s most iconic films, will return to cinemas on October 1, 2026, more than 30 years after its original release.

Reacting to the announcement on X, a user identified as Ifẹ́ṣọlá accused Mount Zion of spending decades depicting Yoruba spirituality as evil while promoting Christianity as the superior belief system. The user argued that audiences are increasingly challenging such portrayals and subjecting them to greater scrutiny.

In response, Joshua dismissed the criticism as a misrepresentation of the ministry’s mission and body of work.

According to him, Mount Zion Films does not attack Yoruba culture but actively embraces many of its elements, including the language, traditions, proverbs, royal institutions, and cultural aesthetics frequently featured in its productions.

He cited the popular character Abejoye as an example, noting that the character remained deeply rooted in Yoruba customs, language, and respect for traditional authority even after embracing Christianity.

Joshua stressed that the ministry’s films focus on spiritual transformation rather than cultural erasure, adding that becoming a Christian does not require abandoning one’s cultural identity.

He also rejected claims that Mount Zion presents Christianity as a foreign religion in opposition to Yoruba spirituality.

According to him, the ministry’s stories are framed around the universal struggle between good and evil rather than a conflict between Yoruba traditions and Christianity.

Joshua further argued that only a fraction of Mount Zion’s extensive catalogue is set within traditional religious contexts, describing attempts to define the ministry’s work solely through those productions as misleading.

He maintained that critics should engage with the films in their entirety before drawing conclusions, insisting that Mount Zion’s objective has always been to communicate Christian values while preserving cultural expression.

Reaffirming the ministry’s faith-based message, Joshua said the core theme of its productions remains unchanged, adding that Agbara Nla will continue that tradition when it returns to cinemas on October 1, 2026.