Shock as Ogun traditional priest allegedly sets self ablaze
Traditional Priest Dies After Self-Immolation in Ogun State
Adebiopon, Ogun State – Residents of Adebiopon village in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area were shocked Wednesday when Muritala Shodiya, a 50-year-old traditional priest, reportedly set himself on fire.
Community sources informed reporters that the incident took place in the evening, when Shodiya allegedly poured petrol on himself inside an uncompleted building before igniting the flames. Neighbors intervened quickly, extinguishing the fire and transporting him to the General Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta, where he succumbed to his injuries Thursday morning.
Shodiya, known locally as “Ifa,” was recognized for his roles in fortune-telling and Ifa worship. He had practiced in the Ijaye area for several years before moving to Adebiopon.
A community member, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, indicated that the traditional priest had exhibited signs of emotional distress in recent times, particularly following marital issues. “He had not been himself since his wife left him for another man. He had been showing signs of depression,” the source reported.
Another villager, Kazeem, described the frantic efforts made by residents to save Shodiya. “We rushed to the scene to save his life. We put out the fire and took him to the hospital, but I just heard this morning that he has died,” Kazeem said.
Kazeem added that while there were initial rumors suggesting foul play, early accounts indicated that Shodiya acted alone. “Although some people claimed that other individuals set him on fire, he actually set himself ablaze. He crawled out of the bush while he was on fire,” he noted.
Confirming the incident, Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi reported that an investigation is underway regarding the circumstances surrounding the case. “On July 1, 2026, a 50-year-old man, Muritala Shodiya, allegedly set himself ablaze after pouring petrol on himself in an uncompleted building at Adebiopon Village,” Oluseyi stated. “He was rescued and taken to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, for treatment. Police officers visited the scene, documented the incident, and commenced an investigation.”