A fresh controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s entertainment and religious circles after popular Fuji musician Saheed Osupa openly declared that he engages in traditional spiritual practices, often referred to as “juju,” to support his success.
The statement, made during a live stage performance, has since gone viral on social media, drawing strong reactions from fans, religious leaders, and cultural observers across the country.
Osupa, whose real name is Saheed Okunola, made the remark on March 30, 2026, during the 52nd birthday celebration of veteran Yoruba actor Fatai Odua, popularly known as Lalude.
In a video that began trending online earlier this week, the Fuji star was seen addressing his backup singers during a performance. He appeared to criticise them for not keeping up with his pace and delivery.
In a mix of humour and seriousness, he advised them to seek spiritual help to improve their performance and memory. He went further to list certain items they could use, explaining that such practices do not necessarily make them evil but could help their personal progress.
The moment quickly gained attention online, especially after Osupa used the opportunity to speak more openly about his own beliefs.
“Somebody once told me to grant an interview and deny that I am a fetish person,” he said during the performance. “But I told him I am, and why should I deny it? I have not harmed anyone with it. I am only looking for progress.”
His comments, delivered in a relaxed and joking tone, were met with mixed reactions from the audience at the event. However, once the video reached social media platforms, the reaction became more intense.
Osupa also spoke about his connection to traditional Yoruba spirituality, particularly his reverence for Ifa, a system of divination that is widely practised in southwestern Nigeria.
He said he regularly pays homage to Ifa and sees it as a source of guidance in his life.
“If I don’t engage in voodoo, what else should I use?” he asked rhetorically. “Is it medicine like Panadol that will make me successful?”
His comments reflect a long-standing reality in Nigerian society, where traditional beliefs often exist alongside Christianity and Islam. Many people privately consult traditional practices while publicly identifying with major religions.
However, Osupa’s decision to speak openly about it has placed him at the centre of a national conversation.
“Everybody Practises It” Claim Sparks Reaction
Perhaps the most controversial part of his statement was his claim that “everybody practises juju,” whether openly or secretly.
“Some people do theirs in private,” he said. “I do mine openly. All those claims that I rely only on the Bible or Quran are not true.”
This sweeping statement has been widely criticized, particularly by religious leaders who say it misrepresents the beliefs of millions of Nigerians.
Several Islamic clerics took to social media to condemn the remarks, especially given Osupa’s large Muslim fan base.
One cleric, Sheikh Abdulrahman Sadiq, wrote, “This statement is dangerous and misleading. Not every Muslim engages in such practices. Islam clearly forbids it.”
Another scholar, Imam Lukman Bello, said, “We respect him as an entertainer, but he should not generalise. Faith is clear about what is allowed and what is not.”
A third cleric, Ustaz Habeeb Adebayo, added, “Success comes from hard work and God’s will, not from voodoo. Public figures should be careful about what they promote.”
Similarly, Sheikh Musa Kareem posted, “This is disappointing. Many young people look up to him. Statements like this can mislead them.”
Another commentator, Imam Ridwan Lawal, said, “We reject this claim completely. It does not represent Islamic teachings or the values of our community.”
These reactions highlight the sensitivity of spiritual issues in Nigeria, where religion plays a major role in daily life and public discourse.
Following the backlash, Osupa responded to critics, clarifying that he has not disrespected any religion.
He stated that he believes in both Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad, acknowledging them as true servants of God.
However, he criticised what he described as “eye service” among some religious followers—suggesting that many people publicly present themselves as devout while privately engaging in other practices.
According to him, his decision to speak openly is simply a matter of honesty.
Fuji music, a popular genre in southwestern Nigeria, has deep roots in Yoruba culture and Islamic traditions. It evolved from Were music, which was performed to wake Muslims during Ramadan.
Over the years, Fuji has grown into a major part of Nigeria’s music industry, with artists like Osupa gaining large followings across the country and beyond.
Many Fuji musicians often blend cultural, religious, and social themes in their music and public appearances. This has sometimes placed them at the intersection of tradition and modern religious expectations.
Osupa himself is regarded as one of the leading figures in the genre, with decades of experience and a reputation for lyrical depth and strong stage performances.
The controversy surrounding Osupa’s remarks has reopened a wider debate about the place of traditional beliefs in modern Nigerian society.
While some Nigerians see practices like Ifa as part of their cultural heritage, others reject them on religious grounds.
In many communities, the line between culture and religion remains blurred. It is not uncommon for individuals to hold multiple beliefs or to combine traditional and religious practices in their daily lives.
The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of celebrities in shaping public opinion.
With millions of followers, artists like Osupa have significant influence, especially among young people.
Some observers argue that public figures should be mindful of their words, while others believe they have the right to express their personal beliefs freely.