Viral Oloolu Video: Ibadan TikToker Undergoes Traditional Cleansing Rite
A female TikTok content creator has reportedly undergone traditional cleansing rites after filming a procession linked to the annual Oloolu Masquerade Festival in Ibadan, Oyo State, in an incident that has generated widespread attention on social media.
The spokesperson to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Adeola Oloko, said the woman did not record the sacred Oloolu masquerade itself but mistakenly filmed Alawo Oloolu, a figure associated with the festival, while the procession was passing through the city.
According to Oloko, traditional custodians said the woman developed unexplained health complications after posting the footage online, prompting her family to seek intervention from the Oloolu custodians, who performed traditional rites in line with local customs.
He said women are traditionally prohibited from viewing the Oloolu masquerade and urged the public to respect the cultural restrictions surrounding the festival.
Oloko, however, said he could not verify social media claims that the woman disguised herself as a man to record the procession.
Videos circulating online showed the woman participating in what appeared to be a public cleansing ceremony at the Oloolu compound, with reports indicating that prescribed traditional rites were carried out.
Ibadan-based content creator Ayo Adams also said officials at the Oloolu compound confirmed the woman is alive and recovering after undergoing the traditional rites.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command said it had no official report of the incident, adding that the matter was not reported at any police station.
The annual Oloolu Festival is one of Ibadan’s prominent cultural celebrations, featuring prayers, rituals, processions and traditional performances. Custodians of the festival maintain strict taboos, including restrictions on photographing or recording certain aspects of the procession.
