The Secretary of the Oloolu compound in Ibadan, Oyo State, Oluwo Ishola Akeem, has debunked reports circulating on social media that Wasilat, the TikToker at the centre of the recent Oloolu festival controversy, has died.

Akeem, speaking during an interview at the Oloolu family compound on Monday, said Wasilat is alive, has completed the traditional rites performed following the controversy and has returned to her family.

The clarification followed reports on social media claiming that the young woman had died after she was taken through traditional cleansing rites for allegedly recording activities connected to the annual Oloolu masquerade festival.

According to the Oloolu family secretary, the reports of her death are false, stressing that Wasilat is currently at home and recovering.

“She is not dead. Wasilat is alive. She is now in their house at Oremeji. She has been redeemed. Nothing will happen to her again. She is free now,” Akeem said.

He added that Wasilat had expressed regret over the incident and promised not to repeat the action.

The controversy began after a video believed to have been recorded by Wasilat circulated on social media during the Oloolu festival. The incident generated widespread reactions, with the Oloolu family maintaining that the recording violated longstanding traditions surrounding the revered masquerade.

Akeem explained that Wasilat was taken away from her home to prevent possible violence and that she was subsequently taken to the police station before the traditional rites were conducted.

He said the TikToker had admitted to recording and sharing the footage, deleted the video and apologised for her actions.

The Secretary further stated that the traditional rites had been completed and that Wasilat had since returned home.

The Oloolu family has urged members of the public to respect the customs and traditions associated with the annual festival, while the clarification is expected to put to rest the false reports concerning Wasilat’s alleged death.

The development was also reported by major Nigerian news outlets, which quoted the Oloolu family secretary as confirming that Wasilat is alive and has returned home.