Oloolu family defends traditional rite after TikToker filmed masquerade festival

The Oloolu family in Ibadan, Oyo State, has defended the traditional cleansing administered to TikToker Wasilat Olalere, who recorded and shared footage from the annual Oloolu masquerade festival. The family asserts that the ritual was conducted in accordance with long-standing customs associated with the festival. They confirmed that Olalere completed the necessary traditional rites, offered an apology for her actions, and has since returned home safely. Oluwo Ishola Akeem, the Secretary of the Oloolu compound, detailed the events in an interview conducted in Yoruba. He explained that Olalere had previously attempted to record the masquerade last year but was unsuccessful. This year, she reportedly disguised herself as a man on the final day of the festival to film the masquerade's followers and entourage, later posting the video on TikTok with the caption, "This is Oloolu at Sokoto area." This act sparked public debate regarding the filming of traditional religious activities. Akeem clarified that Olalere was initially taken from her residence to prevent potential community unrest and de-escalate tensions. She was then taken to a police station before undergoing the traditional rites. He strongly refuted social media claims of her death, labeling them as false. "Wasilat is alive. She has returned home after completing the required rites and has said she will not repeat the act," he stated. The family remains committed to preserving the traditions of the Oloolu masquerade festival and urges the public to respect its customs. Akeem maintained that the family's actions were solely aimed at upholding the cultural practices integral to the annual celebration.

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Last year, Wasilat recorded Oloolu but was unable to capture it properly. This year, on the final day of the festival, she dressed like a man and recorded the followers and entourage, although she did not capture the masquerade itself. She later posted the video on TikTok.