Sowore Condemns Spiritual Cleansing Of Tiktoker Accused Of Filiming Oyo Masquerade

Activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the traditional cleansing carried out on a TikToker Wasilat who was accused of filming the sacred Oloolu Masquerade in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The incident followed the Oloolu festival, which took place between July 27 and July 30.

According to reports, Wasilat allegedly disguised herself as a man to record the masquerade despite long-standing traditional rules that prohibit women from seeing or filming the procession.

The Tiktoker was later reported to have experienced unexplained bleeding and emotional distress, leading traditional custodians of the Oloolu shrine to perform a cleansing ritual.

Videos circulating on social media showed her hair being shaved as part of the ceremony.

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Reacting to the development, Sowore said cultural traditions should never be used to justify actions that violate people’s rights or dignity.

He acknowledged the importance of culture but argued that customs which are discriminatory, oppressive, or unfair to women should be abandoned.

The activist also said Wasilat was humiliated during the process, adding that no tradition or belief should be used to excuse the mistreatment of any individual.

He said, ”I learned today that a TikToker underwent a traditional “cleansing” ritual after filming an Oloolu masquerade procession.

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

“Wasila was ultimately abused and stripped of her dignity by the very people who are often quick to condemn others for engaging in similar acts.

“It does not matter whether such abuse is carried out by anyone else.

“Any culture, tradition, or belief system that violates human dignity is unacceptable and has no place in a just society.”

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