AAC presidential candidate says traditions that violate human dignity should be abandoned as controversy over Ibadan festival rites deepens

A fresh debate over the balance between cultural preservation and fundamental human rights gathered momentum on Monday after African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore condemned the alleged traditional cleansing of an Ibadan-based TikTok content creator linked to the annual Oloolu Masquerade Festival in Oyo State.

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Sowore, reacting from Abuja in a Facebook post on Monday, criticised the reported treatment of the woman, identified as Wasilat, describing the incident as a disturbing violation of human dignity.

The remarks came after videos circulated widely on social media showing the content creator participating in what appeared to be traditional cleansing rites at the Oloolu masquerade compound in Ibadan.

The Sowore Condemns Oloolu Cleansing controversy has drawn nationwide attention, with competing accounts emerging from the content creator, traditional authorities, social media users and security agencies over what transpired.

“I learned today that a TikToker underwent a traditional ‘cleansing’ ritual after filming an Oloolu masquerade procession,” Sowore wrote.

“While culture occupies a vital place in our lives, any cultural practice that is oppressive, discriminatory, or insensitive to gender should be abandoned immediately.”

The former presidential candidate argued that cultural or religious identity could never justify actions that strip individuals of their dignity.

“It does not matter whether such abuse is carried out by Islamists, traditionalists, or anyone else. Any culture, tradition, or belief system that violates human dignity is unacceptable and has no place in a just society,” Sowore added.

The controversy centres on Wasilat, who became the subject of intense speculation after claims spread online that she secretly filmed the sacred Oloolu masquerade, suffered mysterious illness and later underwent prescribed traditional rites. Social media posts also falsely claimed that she had died.

During an interview on Lagelu FM’s Ibi Aye N Lo programme, Wasilat firmly rejected those claims, insisting she neither recorded the revered Oloolu masquerade nor died.

“I am not dead. I did not capture the Oloolu masquerade. May I not be implicated, I did not record Oloolu,” she said.

According to her account, she recorded people gathered around a procession near the Oremeji area after noticing an Amotekun patrol vehicle and other passers-by.

She maintained that the Oloolu masquerade itself never passed through the location where she made the recording.

Wasilat said online users urged her to delete the video before traditional custodians later approached her at her family’s shop.

“I do not know why the eyewitnesses on Thursday did not defend me. I don’t know who came up with that agenda, but I know God will judge,” she said.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland’s spokesperson, Chief Adeola Oloko, offered a different explanation. According to him, Wasilat did not record the sacred Oloolu masquerade but mistakenly filmed Alawo Oloolu, a figure closely associated with the festival.

Oloko said the woman’s family later sought help from traditional custodians after she allegedly developed unusual health complications following the incident.

He maintained that the rites performed were consistent with long-standing traditions observed during the festival.

He also dismissed social media claims that Wasilat disguised herself as a man to secretly film the procession, saying he could not verify such allegations.

Videos circulating online showed the woman with her head shaved, dressed in red garments and participating in ceremonial rites while offerings, including giant African snails, a ram and other sacrificial items, were reportedly presented as part of the ritual.

Another widely shared clip appeared to show a goat being slaughtered, although the circumstances surrounding the footage remain independently unverified.

Ibadan-based content creator Ayo Adams, who later visited the Oloolu compound, said officials confirmed that Wasilat had reunited with her family and was recovering after the ceremonies.

The Oyo State Police Command, however, said it had no official record of the matter. Police spokesperson CSP Ayanlade Olayinka told journalists that the incident had not been reported at any police station within the command.

The annual Oloolu Festival remains one of Ibadan’s most prominent traditional celebrations, attracting traditional rulers, worshippers, cultural enthusiasts and visitors from across Yorubaland.

The event features prayers, sacrifices, drumming, dancing and ritual processions intended to honour ancestors while seeking peace, protection and prosperity for the community.

The latest controversy has nevertheless reignited wider conversations about the relationship between indigenous customs, constitutional rights and gender equality in Nigeria.

Human rights advocates have increasingly argued that cultural practices should evolve where they conflict with personal liberty and dignity, while many traditional institutions continue to insist that ancient rites remain central to preserving Yoruba heritage.

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For now, Wasilat’s confirmation that she is alive has helped dispel the most alarming rumours surrounding the incident, but the powerful debate over cultural tradition, public accountability and individual rights is likely to continue well beyond this year’s Oloolu Festival.