A 50-year-old traditional priest, Muritala Shodiya, has died after allegedly setting himself on fire in Adebiopon Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, reportedly threw the quiet community into shock as residents rushed to rescue the victim after discovering him engulfed in flames.
According to The PUNCH, residents, Shodiya, popularly known as “Ifa” for his practice of Ifa divination and fortune-telling, allegedly poured petrol on himself inside an uncompleted building before igniting the fire.
Villagers reportedly extinguished the flames and rushed him to the General Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta, where he later died on Thursday morning.
A community resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the deceased had been battling emotional challenges in recent months.
“He had not been himself for some time after his wife reportedly left him. We noticed signs that suggested he was struggling emotionally before the incident,” the source said.
Another resident, identified simply as Kazeem, said members of the community made efforts to save his life.
“We rushed to the scene immediately and managed to put out the fire before taking him to the hospital. Sadly, we later heard that he did not survive,” Kazeem said.
He also dismissed rumours that the victim had been attacked.
“Some people initially claimed that he was set on fire by others, but from what happened, he appeared to have done it himself. He came out of the bush while already in flames,” he added.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, said an investigation had begun.
“On July 1, 2026, a 50-year-old man, Muritala Shodiya, allegedly poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze inside an uncompleted building at Adebiopon Village,” Oluseyi said.
“He was rescued and taken to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, for treatment. Police officers visited the scene, documented the incident and have commenced an investigation.”
Shodiya was said to have practised traditional worship in Ijaye for several years before relocating to Adebiopon Village.
The incident has left residents of the community saddened as police continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.
