TikToker: I Was Forced to Claim Illness After Oloolu Masquerade Ordeal

A TikToker, Wasilat Olalere, has alleged that she was forced to falsely claim she became ill after a viral video linked her to the revered Oloolu masquerade in Ibadan, Oyo State. She insisted that she neither recorded the sacred masquerade nor suffered any strange ailment, contrary to claims made in an earlier video that circulated online.

Speaking during an interview with an Islamic cleric in Ibadan, Olalere said she only filmed Amotekun vehicles and residents gathered in anticipation of the annual outing of the masquerade before uploading the clip on TikTok. She explained that she deleted the video shortly after receiving warnings from people who advised her to take it down, but copies had already been saved and circulated.

Olalere alleged that shortly after deleting the video, men she identified as members of the Oloolu traditional institution stormed her shop, threatened her and took her away despite pleas from residents. She claimed she was first detained at Agungun Police Station before being released on bail, after which she was taken to Ode Aje, where she was subjected to traditional rites against her will. She also alleged that her husband was made to pay ₦400,000 after purchasing items required for the rites.

According to the TikToker, she was later compelled to record a video claiming she had fallen ill and suffered bleeding after seeing the Oloolu masquerade. She maintained that nothing of the sort happened and that the statement was made under pressure.

However, the Oloolu family has denied the allegations, insisting that Olalere voluntarily admitted violating cultural norms and willingly underwent the traditional cleansing after consultations with her family. The custodians also denied claims that she was assaulted or forced to participate in the rites, creating conflicting accounts of the incident.