A life in danger: “Tolulope’s story exposes dark side of cultural heritage”

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic Nation with different traditional and Cultural practices.

The Ogun deity traditional worship is one of such practices as found among the Yoruba speaking people of western region of Nigeria.

Tolulope Ifeoluwa is a native of Ogun State in the  Western region of Nigeria. Her father is a priest of Ogun, “the god of iron” in their local community. It is common practice that at the passing of the priest, the eldest child or any of the surviving children must take over the priesthood.

This is the case of Tolulope Ifeoluwa which she vehemently opposed to such move because of her personal religious belief. Moreover, there are also practices such as mixing the blood of sacrificial dogs; preserved blood of the ancestors; blood of the potential members about to be initiated, with other items as concoction with which they administer oath on members and they are made to drink such concoction.

Tolulope Ifeoluwa has been suffering untold persecution in the hands of the Ogun worshippers in her community for which she has  been running from one place to another in search of peace and happiness but to no avail.

It is a notorious fact that members of this cult group are so powerful and well connected. This is the reason why several reports made to the police yield no positive result, because many of the top officers including politicians in Nigeria are members of this cult group.

Renowned civil activists within the community shed light on the oppressive, archaic, and uncivilized tradition that governed the priesthood. Through various media platforms, these activists voiced their concerns, drawing attention from the government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police, and influential politicians in the country. Despite their involvement, a lasting solution seemed elusive, as even the police turned a blind eye to the issue, being complicit within the system. The recurring pattern of mysterious deaths among the priesthood dynasty painted a stark reality of the dire consequences of assuming the role.

Tolulope, aware of the dark history surrounding the priesthood, hesitated to accept the position. Moreover, there was prevalent opposition and threats from her community, who were deeply rooted in upholding the tradition.