Veteran Yoruba actor Sunny Alli has expressed skepticism about the widespread belief in money rituals, while also criticizing the way witchcraft is often portrayed in Nollywood films, describing many of the depictions as unrealistic.
Speaking in a recent interview, the veteran actor said he does not believe claims that people can acquire wealth through ritual practices, adding that such narratives have been exaggerated in movies and public discourse.
According to Alli, while traditional beliefs and spiritual practices exist in African societies, the sensational portrayal of money rituals and supernatural powers in many films often strays far from reality.
He also faulted the depiction of witchcraft in some Nollywood productions, arguing that filmmakers frequently dramatize supernatural themes to entertain audiences rather than present realistic accounts.
The actor noted that many movies portray witches flying, transforming into animals or carrying out extraordinary feats that have little connection to real life. He said such portrayals are largely fictional and should not be taken as factual representations of traditional beliefs.
Alli urged viewers to distinguish between entertainment and reality, stressing that films are primarily created to captivate audiences and should not be regarded as accurate reflections of everyday life.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates over the influence of Nollywood on public perceptions of spirituality, ritual practices and the supernatural. Critics have often argued that repeated portrayals of money rituals and witchcraft in films can reinforce harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, while filmmakers maintain that such themes reflect aspects of folklore and cultural storytelling.
Sunny Alli is widely regarded as one of the respected figures in the Yoruba film industry, with a career spanning several decades and numerous appearances in indigenous-language productions.
