Ogun Ifa Priest Dies After Setting Himself Ablaze

By Opeyemi Adelakun

A 50-year-old traditional priest, Muritala Shodiya, has died after allegedly setting himself ablaze in Adebiopon Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident, which threw the community into shock, occurred on Wednesday evening when Shodiya, popularly known as “Ifa,” reportedly poured petrol on himself inside an uncompleted building before igniting the fire.

Residents who rushed to the scene succeeded in putting out the flames and immediately evacuated him to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta. However, he was confirmed dead on Thursday morning while receiving treatment.

Shodiya was widely known in the area for fortune-telling and Ifa worship. He had reportedly practised in Ijaye, Abeokuta, for several years before relocating to Adebiopon Village.

A community source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident, alleged that the deceased had shown signs of emotional distress following the breakdown of his marriage.

According to the source, Shodiya had struggled emotionally after his wife reportedly left him for another man.

Another resident, identified simply as Kazeem, said villagers responded immediately after noticing the victim engulfed in flames.

“We rushed to save him, extinguished the fire and took him to the hospital. Sadly, we later heard that he died,” the resident said.

He added that although speculation initially suggested that someone might have set the victim on fire, available information indicated that the deceased acted alone.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, said officers visited the scene and commenced an investigation.

According to the police, Shodiya allegedly poured petrol on himself before setting himself ablaze inside the uncompleted building on July 1.

The command said he was rescued and taken to the General Hospital, Ijaye, for treatment, while detectives documented the scene and began investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident has renewed concerns about mental health awareness and the need for timely intervention for individuals experiencing severe emotional or psychological distress.