Olóòlù Controversy Mirrors Lagos Eyo Tradition

Olóòlù Controversy Mirrors Lagos Eyo Tradition

….Wasila says she is alive

Kunle Awosiyan

The controversy surrounding a young woman accused of filming the revered Olóòlù masquerade in Ibadan has drawn attention to similar traditional restrictions in Lagos, where recording the Adamu Òrìṣà, the foremost masquerade during the Eyo Festival, is also considered taboo by traditional adherents.

Wasila Wasiu, who became the subject of widespread social media claims that she died after allegedly filming the Olóòlù masquerade, has publicly dismissed the rumour, declaring that she is alive and never recorded the sacred procession.

Speaking alongside her mother, Mrs. Sekinat Wasiu, Wasila confirmed that she underwent traditional appeasement rites at Ode Aje after her release from police custody, following allegations that she violated cultural norms.

The family insisted that she only recorded Amotekun security vehicles and members of the public after the main procession had passed and never filmed the Olóòlù masquerade itself.

The incident has revived conversations on the importance of respecting traditional institutions across Yorubaland, particularly in Lagos, where devotees of the Eyo Festival similarly forbid the filming or photographing of Adamu Òrìṣà, regarded as the most sacred of the Eyo masquerades.

Cultural custodians say the restrictions surrounding both Olóòlù in Ibadan and Adamu Òrìṣà in Lagos are rooted in long-standing traditions intended to preserve the sanctity of the festivals, even as modern technology and social media continue to challenge age-old customs.
Mrs. Wasiu said her daughter deleted the TikTok video after being advised to do so but was later arrested by persons who believed she had filmed the sacred masquerade.

Following her release, the family agreed to the prescribed traditional appeasement rites to calm tensions arising from the controversy.

“I thank God that I am alive,” Wasila said, reiterating that she neither saw nor recorded the Olóòlù masquerade.
She added that she was treated professionally while in police custody and was not assaulted.

The controversy erupted after viral social media posts claimed that Wasila died mysteriously after secretly filming the revered masquerade despite alleged attempts by her family to perform appeasement rites.

However, her public appearance has put the rumours to rest while drawing renewed attention to the enduring influence of traditional beliefs in both Oyo and Lagos States, where sacred cultural festivals continue to command respect from adherents and local communities alike.