Dad Said It Was Not Yet Time” — Damilola Mike-Bamiloye Reveals Why Agbara Nla Remake Was Delayed

Christian actor and filmmaker Damilola Mike-Bamiloye has revealed that his father, veteran Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye, initially declined plans to remake the 1993 Christian classic, Agbara Nla, before eventually giving his approval for the new production.

Damilola disclosed that he and his brother, Joshua, first approached their father about remaking the film about four years ago. However, Mike reportedly told them that it was not yet the right time for the project.

According to Damilola, the brothers respected their father’s decision and temporarily abandoned the idea.

He explained that the project resurfaced last year following a conversation with a producer identified as Chris, who encouraged them to reconsider the remake. The brothers subsequently prayed about the project before approaching their father again.

Damilola said their second attempt received a different response, as Mike gave them permission to proceed with the remake.

“We presented the idea to dad, but he told us it was not yet time. We respected that decision and left it at that,” Damilola said.

He added that when they eventually returned to their father, the veteran filmmaker did not discourage them but instead gave them his approval.

“He did not discourage us. Instead, he gave us his approval and said, ‘Yes, go ahead and do it,’” he recalled.

The filmmaker revealed that Agbara Nla: The Return was filmed in approximately 20 to 21 days. According to him, the production retains some of the original characters and central message of the 1993 film while introducing new characters, locations and story elements to make it relevant to contemporary audiences.

Damilola also spoke about the emotional experience of directing his father, who reprises his role as Isawuru in the new production.

He recalled watching the original Agbara Nla as a four-year-old and imitating his father’s character alongside his siblings.

According to him, directing the veteran actor years later was significant because of his personal connection to the original production and the role his father played in shaping his filmmaking journey.

Agbara Nla: The Return is scheduled for a nationwide cinema release and has been developed as a full cinematic production while retaining the Christian filmmaking vision associated with Mount Zion.