A TikTok content creator, Wasilat Olalere, has alleged that she was compelled to falsely state that she became ill after recording content related to the annual Oloolu masquerade festival in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Olalere explained that she did not film the revered masquerade itself. According to her, the video she uploaded to TikTok only showed security personnel and residents who had gathered ahead of the traditional event. She said she later removed the clip after being instructed to delete it.
The TikToker further claimed that after taking down the video, some men she identified as being associated with the Oloolu traditional institution approached her and informed her that she was wanted over the social media post.
She alleged that after being released from police custody, she was taken to undergo traditional rites. According to her account, members of her family were instructed to provide items including a goat, a piece of red cloth and a blade as part of the process.
Olalere also claimed that she was pressured into recording a video in which she stated that she had fallen ill after filming the masquerade and had been cleansed through traditional rituals. She insisted that the statement was false, maintaining that she never experienced any mysterious sickness following the incident.
Responding to the allegations, the Family Secretary of the Oloolu masquerade rejected claims that Olalere was assaulted or coerced. He stated that she voluntarily participated in the traditional rites after acknowledging that she had breached long-standing cultural customs associated with the Oloolu masquerade.
The official also dismissed allegations of physical abuse, adding that the rites were conducted with the awareness and consent of Olalere’s family.
The incident has generated public discussion on social media, with debates focusing on the balance between preserving cultural traditions and protecting individual rights in the digital age. Authorities have not announced any further action regarding the matter.
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