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.
According to The Punch, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening when Shodiya, popularly known as “Ifa,” reportedly poured petrol on himself inside an uncompleted building and ignited it. Residents extinguished the fire and rushed him to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, where he died on Thursday morning.
Community sources alleged that Shodiya had shown signs of depression following the breakdown of his marriage after his wife reportedly left him for another man. Another resident said villagers rescued him after he emerged from the bush engulfed in flames, dismissing rumours that he had been set on fire by others.
Confirming the incident, Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi said officers visited the scene, documented the case and launched an investigation. He stated that Shodiya allegedly set himself ablaze after pouring petrol on himself in the uncompleted building before being taken to hospital for treatment. Police said investigations are ongoing.
