Ogun Ifa priest dies after setting himself on fire

Residents of Adebiopon Village in Ogun State were shocked and confused Wednesday after a 50-year-old traditional priest, Muritala Shodiya, reportedly set himself ablaze. Shodiya, known locally as "Ifa," was a fortune-teller and Ifa worshipper who had practiced in Ijaye for years before moving to Adebiopon.

According to community sources speaking anonymously, Shodiya doused himself with petrol inside an uncompleted building before igniting the fire. The sources suggested he had been showing signs of depression, particularly after his wife left him for another man. Villagers rushed to extinguish the flames and transported him to the General Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta.

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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, another resident, confirmed that villagers rescued Shodiya after seeing him engulfed in flames, crawling out of the bush. "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. He clarified that Shodiya set himself on fire, contrary to some claims that others might have been involved.

Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi confirmed the incident. He stated that on July 1, 2026, Shodiya allegedly poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze in an uncompleted building. Police documented the scene and have commenced an investigation.

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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.