The Misrepresentation of Yoruba Traditional Religion on Social Media and Nollywood Practitioners Comparative Analysis of Representation of Traditional Religions on Social Media in Yoruba and Russian Societies
Sr No:
1
Page No:
1-7
Language:
English
Licence:
CC BY-NC 4.0
Authors:
Yakubu Adegboyega Adeoti, PhD*, Samuel Káyò̩dé O̩lálé̩ye̩, Ph.D, Olúladé Adéníyì, Taiwo Fatosin Awosola
Published Date:
2026-07-02
Abstract:
As the work continues to experience resurgence across Africa and the Diaspora, digital and visual media have become primary sources of knowledge about it. However, this visibility comes at a cost. In this paper, we critically examined how social media platforms and Nollywood have contributed to the distortion of ÈseỨse's core doctrines, symbols, and practices. Content creators and filmmakers, often lacking direct initiation or scholarly grounding, frequently present shallow, sensationalized, or fictionalized depictions of the tradition—reducing a deep cosmological system to aesthetics, fear, or fantasy. Such portrayals not only mislead global audiences but also endanger the integrity of sacred knowledge systems by encouraging performative spirituality and appropriation. The study explored specific case studies from TikTok, Instagram, and Nollywood productions that exemplify this trend. We also discussed the ethical responsibilities of practitioners, content creators, and scholars in safeguarding the practice's epistemological depth. Finally, we proposed strategies for re-Africanising media narratives around Indigenous Religions, centering voices of initiated custodians and scholar-practitioners to resist digital neo-colonialism in sacred discourse. Findings were content analyzed.
Keywords:
Africa, Traditional Religion, Diaspora, Nollywood, Neo-colonialism