Olokun Mermaid, arguing that the film misrepresents important aspects of Yoruba spiritual heritage.Abiola Rosanwo, who identifies herself as a custodian of the Isese tradition and holds the title of Yeye Owonrin Ojose Isara Remo, expressed her objections through a series of social media posts. She maintained that revered deities such as Yemoja and Olokun should not be portrayed as mermaids or half-human, half-fish beings. The controversy followed Barnabas' announcement that the project, initially titled Yemoja, had been renamed Olokun Mermaid. The actress explained that the change became necessary after discovering that some YouTube channels had used her image to promote another production bearing the title Yemoja. Rosanwo questioned the decision, arguing that Yemoja and Olokun are distinct deities with separate identities and cannot simply be substituted for one another. She also emphasized that Osun, Yemoja, and Olokun occupy different positions within Yoruba traditional beliefs. According to her, portraying these deities as mythical sea creatures reflects a misunderstanding of Isese teachings and risks spreading inaccurate information about Yoruba spirituality. She stated that the revered Irúnmọlẹ̀ are regarded as sacred divine beings rather than fictional mermaids, adding that many of them are believed to have once lived as complete human beings before attaining spiritual status. The traditionalist further revealed that members of the Molokun sect in Ijebu and other Yoruba communities had formally reported the matter to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). In an open letter addressed to both organisations, Rosanwo appealed for a review of the film before its official release. She stressed that the request was not intended to limit artistic freedom but to encourage filmmakers to portray indigenous religious traditions accurately and respectfully. She also asserted that, within the Isese tradition she represents, Olokun is recognised as a revered male Irúnmọlẹ̀ and should not be depicted as a mermaid. Providing an update later, Rosanwo disclosed that officials of the NFVCB and TAMPAN had acknowledged the concerns and begun discussions on the matter. She welcomed the response, expressing hope that it would promote closer collaboration between filmmakers and recognised custodians of Yoruba indigenous knowledge whenever traditional beliefs are portrayed on screen. The debate has reignited conversations about the balance between creative storytelling and the faithful representation of cultural and religious traditions in Nigeria's film industry.