Shock As Ifa Priest Sets Self On Fire, Dies
Residents of Adebiopon Village in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State were thrown into shock and confusion after a 50-year-old traditional priest, Muritala Shodiya, allegedly set himself ablaze.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when Shodiya reportedly doused himself with petrol inside an uncompleted building before setting himself ablaze.
Although the residents quickly gathered and extinguished the fire, and rushed him to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, where doctors pronounced him dead on Thursday morning.
Before the incident, Shodiya, popularly known as “Ifa,” was widely known for fortune-telling and Ifa worship.
He had reportedly practised in Ijaye for several years before relocating to Adebiopon village.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident, a community source alleged that Shodiya had set himself on fire after showing signs of depression.
“We learnt that he set himself on fire. He had not been himself since his wife left him for another man. He had been showing signs of depression,” the source said.
Another resident, identified only as Kazeem, said villagers rushed to rescue Shodiya after seeing him engulfed in flames.
“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.
“Although some people claimed that other people set him on fire, he actually set himself ablaze. He crawled out of the bush while he was on fire.
“He formerly lived in Ijaye-Adebakin, Abeokuta, before moving to Adebiopon Village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.”
Confirming the incident, Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi said the police had commenced an investigation.
He stated, “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.
“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.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
