You probably haven't heard of the Oloolu festival, but in Ibadan, it's a big deal. For decades, the annual masquerade event has been a revered tradition, drawing thousands of spectators each year. But earlier this week, a TikTok video of the event went viral, and things took a dark turn for the creator, 20-year-old TikToker Wasilat Olalere.

According to Secretary of the Oloolu compound, Oluwo Ishola Akeem, Olalere had tried to record the festival last year but was unsuccessful. This year, she disguised herself as a man to capture the event, which led to her creating a TikTok video that sparked outrage. She captioned it 'This is Oloolu at Sokoto area,' and the Oloolu family was not happy.

Akeem explained what happened next: 'When we saw it, we went to her, and she confessed. She said she had been ill since she committed the act.' He added, 'For the sake of peace, so that she would not be beaten, we took her away from her home and took her to the police station so that the tension could subside.' Olalere later deleted the video and pictures from her TikTok page, but the damage was done.

The Oloolu family has now warned against violating the traditional taboos attached to the revered masquerade. Akeem said, 'Oloolu is real, and when anything forbidden is done, it will certainly have repercussions. Anybody who waits for Oloolu will be afflicted with the masquerade’s wrath.'

As for Olalere, Akeem dismissed rumors that she had died, saying she was alive and had undergone traditional spiritual cleansing rites at the Oloolu family compound. She has since returned home, but it remains to be seen how this incident will affect her reputation as a TikToker.

'Oloolu is real, and when anything forbidden is done, it will certainly have repercussions. Anybody who waits for Oloolu will be afflicted with the masquerade’s wrath.'

The Oloolu festival has been a staple in Ibadan's cultural calendar for decades, and this incident serves as a reminder of the cultural sensitivities that come with documenting and sharing traditional events.

The Oloolu festival is a revered tradition in Ibadan, with a history dating back decades. Wasilat Olalere has denied filming the Oloolu masquerade, but the incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about cultural sensitivities.

Key Facts

  • Wasilat Olalere is a 20-year-old TikToker who recorded the Oloolu festival without permission.
  • Olalere faced backlash from the Oloolu family, who warned against violating traditional taboos.
  • The Oloolu festival is a revered tradition in Ibadan, with a history dating back decades.
  • Wasilat Olalere underwent traditional spiritual cleansing rites before returning home.
  • The Oloolu family has dismissed rumors of Wasilat Olalere's death, saying she is alive.