Ogun Traditional Priest Dies After Fire Incident

Shock gripped residents of Adebiopon Village in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State after a 50-year-old traditional priest, Muritala Shodiya, died following a fire incident.

Punch gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday evening, while Shodiya was later rushed to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, where he was confirmed dead on Thursday morning.

Shodiya, popularly known as “Ifa,” was said to be widely known for fortune-telling and Ifa worship.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity with Punch, alleged that the deceased had been struggling emotionally before the incident.

“He had not been himself since his wife left him for another man. He had been showing signs of depression,” the source said.

Another resident, identified only as Kazeem, said villagers made efforts to rescue him before taking him to the hospital.

“We rushed to the scene to save his life. We put out the fire and took him to the hospital, but I just heard this morning that he has died,” Kazeem said.

He added, “He formerly lived in Ijaye-Adebakin, Abeokuta, before moving to Adebiopon Village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.”

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said the command had commenced an investigation.

“On July 1, 2026, a 50-year-old man, Muritala Shodiya, was rescued and taken to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, for treatment. Police officers visited the scene, documented the incident, and commenced an investigation,” he said.

The police said further findings would determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.