Popular Nigerian Fuji musician Saheed Okunola, widely known as Saheed Osupa, has openly confirmed his engagement in traditional spiritual practices, commonly referred to as juju or voodoo, to support his success and personal well-being. The revelation came during his performance at the 52nd birthday celebration of veteran Nollywood actor Fatai Odua, popularly known as Lalude, held on March 30, 2026. A video of the moment went viral online, capturing Osupa addressing his backup singers in a light-hearted yet candid manner. He urged them to adopt spiritual practices to improve their memory, noting that he had noticed they were struggling to keep up with his lyrics during the show.
Osupa explained that the spiritual tools he uses are not meant for harm or evil, but to enhance his life and progress. He emphasized that these practices do not make him a fetish practitioner in the negative sense, but rather a believer in traditional Yoruba spiritual systems. He specifically mentioned paying homage to Ifa, a revered spiritual tradition in Yoruba culture, as part of his daily routine. “That’s why anytime I wake, I always pay obeisance to my Ifa. I don’t know the deity beyond it, because it is worth paying homage to,” he stated during the performance.
The singer also shared that he was once advised to publicly deny involvement in supernatural practices, but he refused. “Somebody told me one time to grant an interview, denying that I’m a fetish person, but I told him that I am, and why should I deny it. I didn’t kill anyone with my juju or commit evil with it. I am only looking for how to progress. Nothing more,” he said. In a humorous tone, Osupa questioned what alternative methods he could use for success, joking, “If I don’t engage in voodoo, what else should I have employed? Is it Phensic or Panadol that will make me successful?”
He further asserted that many people in Nigeria and beyond engage in similar spiritual practices, though some choose to keep them private. “Everybody practises voodoo. While some hide behind the scenes to do theirs, I do mine in the open. All those talks that I rely solely on the Bible and the Quran are pure lies,” he declared. His remarks have sparked widespread discussion across social media and among fans, with some applauding his honesty and others expressing concern or curiosity about the role of spirituality in public life.
The incident highlights the ongoing cultural conversation around traditional beliefs and their place in modern Nigerian society, especially among public figures. As Osupa continues to influence music and culture, his openness about spiritual practices may prompt further dialogue on the intersection of faith, tradition, and personal success in Nigeria.
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