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Claim: X user shared an image depicting the Ooni of Ife pouring libation on a head while calling for his arrest.
Verdict: False! The image in question is not a human head. It is a figurine known as Osoosi used during the Obatala festival in Ile-Ife.
Full Text
The Yoruba culture is one of Africa’s most vibrant and historically significant. It is deeply rooted in tradition, spirituality, and identity.
As the spiritual heartland of the Yoruba people, Ile-Ife holds a special place in the culture. According to Yoruba mythology, it is believed to be the cradle of humanity. The Ooni of Ife, the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, plays a role in preserving these customs and rituals, acting as both a political leader and a spiritual figure.
Ose Mmuo (@afonjaSlayer) posted a picture on X depicting the Ooni of Ife pouring a libation on a human’s head. The image was posted with the caption “Ooni of Ife should be arrested for encouraging human rituals and barbarism.”
This spiralled into debates among X users, with some calling for the king’s arrest for his alleged actions. In contrast, others, like Joe Richie, doubted the credibility, noting “If not stupidity, how does this look like a real human head?” and questioned the police’s neutrality.
As of May 5, 2025, the post had garnered 50,300 views, 843 likes, 334 reposts, and 149 comments.
The virality of the post, the conflicting comments, and the personality involved made DUBAWA verify the claim.
Verification
DUBAWA observed that the image shared in the post appeared strange, with features like the lips lacking the natural look of a human being. This prompted us to dig further.
We conducted a reverse image search, and Tineye revealed that the image dates back to Jan. 19, 2019. The image portrayed is not a human head but a figurine associated with the Osoosi Day, celebrated as part of the annual Obatala Festival in Ile-Ife.
The Osoosi is a deity believed to be the father of philanthropy and a religious congregation for purity and sanity in Yoruba land. A festival is always held to honour Osoosi and pray to him.
We also used Microsoft Bing and Yandex to corroborate further the results obtained.
DUBAWA conducted a keyword search and found blog reports from 2019 that referenced the Osoosi Festival.
Conclusion
The claim that Ooni poured libation on a human head is false. It is a figurine used during the Osoosi festival.
