Oral narratives often exist in stories of legends whose significant personages transcended them into timeless protagonists. Distinct from myths, which are fabricated stories manufactured by different communities (often to explain their origin as well as the stories of divinities), legends are prominent, valuable and enduring historical narratives. From an anthropological lens, legends are old-age stories about heroic individuals who are later deified, with their life stories codified and revered as sacred by certain believers who value their ideals and values. This communalistic belonging varies across communities. Among the Yoruba people, legends revolve around various deities such as Sango, Ogun, Agemo, Osun, and Oya.

The story of Oya is the subject of the 15-minute animated film, Oya: The Goddess of God. The film was released in May 2024 by 3D Nation Multimedia. Titled in the eponymous character of the legend, the film attempts to revive the legend of this revered feminine deity, who has maintained her influence across generations and geographical boundaries among Yoruba-speaking communities. Oya’s influence transcends both generational and geographical boundaries, extending beyond the traditional territories of the ancient Yorubas. Originating from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, her worship has spread to parts of West Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean, where she is known as Iansa and Oia in some diasporic communities. Oya’s impact is evident in syncretic practices like Santeria, Candomblé, and Vodou, where she is associated with figures like Saint Barbara, showcasing the adaptability of Yoruba spirituality in diverse cultural contexts. Therefore, to do justice to this legendary figure, a film is expected to adopt a synchronic approach, providing a contemporary exploration of her influence among diverse believers.

However, Lawrence Dieyi’s animated short film takes an anthropological and rural approach, falling short in its attempt to reimagine Oya’s legend for a modern audience.

By using 3D animation, Dieyi’s short epic film had the potential to retell the story of Oya to a new and younger audience who may be unfamiliar with her heroism and cultural significance. As the powerful orisha and ruler of winds, storms, and transformative change, Oya is a crucial part of Yoruba spirituality. However, this short film struggled in the critical exercise to tell a story—Oya’s story. The plot was disjointed and lacked clear direction, failing to convey the pivotal moments in Oya’s life, including her tragic flaw and her iconic battle with Sango, her second husband and king. Despite its attempts to capture the essence of Oya’s character, symbolizing both the destructive and regenerative aspects of her nature, the film’s execution was hindered by unrealistic and disconnected character actions, failing to do justice to the rich story adapted from the ancient Oyo kingdom.