A 50-year-old Ifa priest, Muritala Shodiya, has died after allegedly setting himself ablaze in Adebiopon Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, leaving residents in shock. The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 1, and he later died in hospital from his injuries.
According to residents, Shodiya, popularly known as “Ifa,” had practised traditional divination for years before relocating from Ijaye-Adebakin to Adebiopon Village. Community members claimed he had been showing signs of depression after his wife reportedly left him for another man. However, police have not confirmed a motive.
Eyewitnesses said villagers rushed to the scene after seeing him engulfed in flames. They extinguished the fire and took him to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, but he later succumbed to his injuries. Some initial claims suggested he had been set on fire by others, but residents maintained that he had set himself ablaze.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said officers visited the scene, documented the incident, and commenced an investigation. The police stated that Shodiya allegedly poured petrol on himself inside an uncompleted building before igniting the fire.
The tragic incident has sparked conversations about mental health and emotional distress within the community, with residents expressing sadness over the loss of a man many knew as a traditional priest and fortune teller
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