Popular Fuji artiste, Saheed Okunola, widely known as Saheed Osupa, has stirred widespread reactions after openly admitting that he engages in voodoo practices to enhance his life and career.
The revelation came during his performance at the 52nd birthday celebration of veteran actor Fatai Odua, also known as Lalude, held on March 30, 2026.
In a video from the event that began trending on Wednesday, the singer was seen addressing his backup singers, urging them to consider spiritual means to improve their performance, as they struggled to keep up with his delivery on stage. He went on to outline certain items they could use, stressing that such practices should not be viewed as fetish but as a way to support their well-being.
Speaking further, Osupa recounted how he once rejected advice to publicly deny being involved in supernatural practices, commonly referred to as juju.
“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.
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“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.
“If I don’t engage in voodoo, what else should I have employed. Is it Phensic or Panadol that will make me successful? It is not good to be poor and still not live a good life. Even if one is not enormously rich but should enjoy comfort,” he hilariously said.
He further argued that belief in juju is widespread, claiming that while some people practise it privately, he chooses to be open about his.
“Everybody practises voodoo. While some hide behind the scenes to do theirs, I do mine in the open. All those talks of mine that I rely solely on the Bible and the Quran are pure lies,” he said.
However, his remarks have attracted criticism from several quarters, particularly among Islamic clerics and followers who expressed disappointment over his statements.
One cleric, identified as Alagusiy on TikTok, rejected Osupa’s claims and urged him to reconsider his stance, noting that many Muslims look up to him.
“You don’t need to be promoting Ifa because there are a lot of Muslims who believe so much in you and follow your footsteps. Please return to God, he’s the one who made you famous and rich. Not Ifa or juju that you engage in. Even if you don’t pray or engage in anything fetish, God has already destined you to be great,” he said.
Another cleric, Uwais Lukman, also speaking on TikTok, questioned the singer’s perceived religious identity, pointing to his continued involvement in music.
“Musicians are never seen as people who are on the right path because they can promote one religion today and another tomorrow. It is their job. For the simple fact that he still engages in music with instruments to promote it makes him less of a Muslim,” he said.
Similarly, an Islamic commentator known as General Tom criticised Osupa, alleging that his actions show a lack of reverence for God and suggesting that his beliefs may have been influenced by previous interactions with spiritual figures.
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Responding to the backlash on Tuesday, Osupa maintained that he holds both the Bible and the Quran in high regard, affirming his belief in Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad as divine figures. He, however, criticised what he described as insincere religious practices among people.
Despite addressing his critics, the singer did not retract his earlier statement about practising juju, nor did he mention any specific cleric in his response.
The Fuji star has, in the past, made references to seeking spiritual assistance from traditional priests during stage performances.
