Tragedy as Ifa Priest Sets Himself on Fire in Ogun State

Shock and confusion hit the people of Adebiopon Village in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Wednesday. Muritala Shodiya, a 50-year-old traditional priest, allegedly set himself on fire.

Sources from the community told PUNCH Metro that the incident happened on Wednesday evening. Shodiya reportedly poured petrol on himself inside an uncompleted building before igniting the fire.

Residents quickly put out the flames and rushed him to the General Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta. Sadly, doctors pronounced him dead on Thursday morning.

Before this tragic event, Shodiya, known as “Ifa,” was popular for his fortune-telling and Ifa worship. He practiced in Ijaye for several years before moving to Adebiopon Village.

A source from the community, who preferred to remain anonymous, said Shodiya showed signs of depression before the incident. “We heard 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 villager, Kazeem, shared his experience of the event. He said villagers rushed to help Shodiya when they saw him on fire. “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, “Some people claimed that others set him on fire, but he actually did it himself. He crawled out of the bush while he was on fire.” He also mentioned that Shodiya used to live in Ijaye-Adebakin, Abeokuta, before moving to Adebiopon Village.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident. Spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi said the police have started 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.