Ifa Priest Dies After Setting Himself Ablaze in Ogun

Ifa Priest Dies After Setting Himself Ablaze in Ogun
Residents of the community described the incident as shocking, saying the deceased had greeted neighbours shortly before the tragedy occurred
Some residents alleged the deceased had recently shown signs of emotional distress and had become withdrawn from the community before the incident

The Ogun State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of a 50 year old Ifa priest, Muritala Shodiya, who died after sustaining severe burns in an incident at Adebiopon Village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed that Shodiya allegedly set himself ablaze on July 1, 2026, after pouring petrol on himself inside an uncompleted building in the community.

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According to the police, he was rescued and rushed to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, where he later died while receiving treatment.

The command said officers visited the scene, documented the incident and had begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Residents of the community described the incident as shocking, saying the deceased had greeted neighbours shortly before the tragedy occurred.

A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed Shodiya’s wife had alerted neighbours after allegedly receiving a phone call from him expressing distress.

Ifa Priest Dies After Setting Himself Ablaze in Ogun

The resident said villagers later found the Ifa priest engulfed in flames and rushed to extinguish the fire before taking him to hospital.

However, the deceased’s wife, Monsurat Oshunkemi, denied claims that she had abandoned her husband or that marital problems led to the incident.

She said they got married in March this year and were living together, although they occasionally had disagreements like other couples.

According to her, Shodiya had confided in her that he was receiving treatment for erectile dysfunction, adding that he was also involved in a land dispute.

She dismissed reports that she left him for another man, insisting her belongings remained in his house and that she had no reason to abandon the marriage.

Some residents alleged the deceased had recently shown signs of emotional distress and had become withdrawn from the community before the incident.

The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.