A TikTok user, Wasilat Olalere, has alleged that she was compelled to make a false statement claiming she fell ill after filming the revered Oloolu masquerade in Ibadan. According to her, she never actually recorded the masquerade itself, only security operatives and residents gathered for its annual outing, and uploaded that footage to TikTok. She later deleted the clip at the request of authorities.
Alleged Abduction and Traditional Rites
Olalere claimed that after deleting the video, men linked to the Oloolu traditional institution took her into custody, saying she was wanted over the post. She alleged that after her release from police custody, she was subjected to traditional rites, during which she and her family were made to provide items including a goat, red cloth, and a blade.
She further alleged that she was forced to record a video stating she had fallen ill after filming the masquerade and had undergone cleansing. She insisted that this statement was untrue and that she had not experienced any unusual illness.
Official Response from Oloolu Family Secretary
Reacting to the allegations, the Family Secretary of the Oloolu masquerade maintained that Olalere was not assaulted and that she voluntarily sought the traditional rites after admitting she had violated longstanding cultural norms. He denied allegations of physical abuse and insisted the rites were carried out with her family's knowledge.
The incident has sparked debate on social media about cultural enforcement and individual rights, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the claims.
