A TikTok content creator at the centre of controversy surrounding the annual Oloolu Masquerade Festival in Ibadan, Oyo State, has denied filming the Oloolu masquerade and dismissed widespread social media claims that she had died.
Speaking on Lagelu FM’s Ibi Aye N Lo programme on Monday, the woman, identified as Wasilat, said she was alive and had been wrongly accused.
Wasilat explained that she only recorded people and an Amotekun vehicle along the Oremeji area after finding the vicinity crowded.
According to her, the Oloolu masquerade did not pass through the route where she filmed, adding that she later faced pressure on social media to delete the video before being confronted by individuals over the incident.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland’s spokesperson, Chief Adeola Oloko, also clarified that the content creator did not film the sacred Oloolu masquerade but mistakenly captured Alawo Oloolu, a figure associated with the festival.
He said the misunderstanding led to the controversy, adding that the woman’s family later sought the intervention of the festival’s traditional custodians after she reportedly developed health challenges.
Videos circulating online showed the woman participating in traditional cleansing rites, including having her head shaved and wearing red garments, while ritual items were reportedly presented in line with local customs.
The annual Oloolu Festival is one of Ibadan’s prominent traditional events, attracting worshippers, traditional rulers and cultural enthusiasts for prayers, rituals, processions and other ceremonies aimed at promoting peace and communal wellbeing.
