Ogun Ifa Priest Muritala Shodiya Dies After Self-Immolation

On Wednesday evening, Muritala Shodiya, a 50-year-old traditional Ifa priest, allegedly set himself ablaze in Adebiopon Village, located in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Reports indicate that he poured petrol inside an incomplete building before igniting the fire.

Residents quickly extinguished the flames and rushed him to the General Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta, where he was pronounced dead on Thursday morning. Shodiya, known for his fortune-telling practices, had reportedly relocated to Adebiopon Village after living in Ijaye for several years.

Sources from the community suggested that he exhibited signs of depression, and it was noted that he had been left by his wife. Kazeem, a resident who attempted to rescue Shodiya, witnessed the incident and confirmed the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The Ogun State Police Command, represented by spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi, has commenced an investigation into the incident.