An Ibadan woman, Wasilat Olalere, has dismissed claims that she secretly recorded the sacred Oloolu masquerade during the 2026 Oloolu Festival, insisting that she only captured an Amotekun security vehicle and not the revered masquerader.
The Oloolu masquerade, a significant traditional figure in Ibadan, visited several communities between July 28 and 30 as part of its annual procession. According to tradition, women are prohibited from seeing the masquerade.
The controversy began after Ms Olalere reportedly shared a TikTok video with the caption, “This is Oloolu at Sokoti area,” showing members of the masquerade’s entourage. The post sparked reactions from traditionalists and residents who accused her of violating the custom.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Lagelu FM, Olalere denied filming the masquerade and rejected reports that she had suffered consequences or died because of the incident.
“They are only saying what they believe. I pray we are not unfortunate. I cannot take a picture of Oloolu. I thank God,” she said.
She explained that she recorded a video of an Amotekun vehicle stationed near her area after she noticed people gathered around, adding that she deleted the post after receiving warnings from people on TikTok.
According to her, she was at home when she felt the need to visit her shop. Upon arriving, she saw security personnel and their vehicle but did not see the Oloolu procession.
“I only took a picture of the Amotekun vehicle and not Oloolu. The next day, people came to my shop, but I don’t understand why those who saw what happened did not speak up earlier,” she said.
However, footage obtained by the Peoples Gazette showed Olalere taking part in a traditional cleansing ritual over the weekend. In the video, she was seen with a shaved head, dressed in red attire, and wearing snails around her neck while performing the ceremony.
In another recording, Olalere said she began experiencing health discomfort after the incident, claiming that she had been unwell and had experienced prolonged menstruation.
Reacting to the controversy, Gbolahan Akeem, secretary of the Ile-Aje Oloolu compound in Ibadan, said reports that Olalere had died were false, confirming that she was alive and had undergone a traditional appeasement process.
“Wasilat is alive. Nothing happened to her. She has been redeemed, and the deities have received what they required,” Akeem said.
He alleged that Olalere had attempted to record the Oloolu during the final day of the festival by disguising herself as a man, but only managed to capture members of the entourage.
Akeem said she later admitted to recording and sharing the video online, adding that she had been feeling ill after the incident. He explained that traditional leaders handed her over to security officials to prevent possible confrontation and restore calm.
He warned residents against violating the customs surrounding the Oloolu festival, stressing that traditional restrictions should be respected.
“Oloolu is real, and any forbidden act comes with consequences. Anyone who challenges its restrictions may face the anger associated with the tradition,” he said.
Akeem added that Olalere had expressed regret and promised not to repeat the action, noting that she was considering leaving Ibadan whenever the festival season approaches.
TikToker Olalere Speaks After Oloolu Controversy as Ibadan Traditionalists Warn Against Taboo Violations
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