Popular Fuji musician, Saheed Okunola, widely known as Saheed Osupa, has stirred widespread reactions after openly declaring that he engages in Ifa and traditional spiritual practices as part of his journey to success.
The veteran singer made the statement during a live stage performance at the 52nd birthday celebration of veteran actor Fatai Odua, popularly known as Lalude, held on March 30, 2026.
In a video from the event that has since gained traction online, Osupa was seen joking with his backup singers after they struggled to keep up with his performance. While addressing them, he advised them to seek spiritual help to improve their memory and performance, adding that such practices should not automatically be viewed as evil or fetish.
Speaking further, the Fuji star said he had once been advised to publicly deny being associated with traditional spiritual practices, but he refused.
According to him, there was no reason to deny what he personally believes in, as he does not use it to harm anyone or engage in wrongdoing, but only as a means of seeking progress and a better life.
Osupa also said he regularly pays homage to Ifa, which he described as part of his spiritual life, while questioning why people condemn such practices when, in his view, many individuals quietly seek spiritual support in different ways.
He went on to suggest that many people engage in similar practices privately, even if they do not openly admit it.
His remarks have since triggered strong reactions, especially among religious commentators and some members of the public, many of whom disagreed with his claim that “everybody practices juju.”
Several critics argued that his comments could influence some of his followers negatively, especially those who admire him not only as a musician but also as a public figure.
Some also insisted that success and fame come from God’s grace, destiny, hard work, and discipline, rather than spiritual rituals or traditional practices.
Reacting to the backlash, Osupa later defended himself, saying he has never spoken against any holy book and that he acknowledges both Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad as messengers of God.
Although he did not retract his earlier comments, he maintained that many people are simply pretending in public and being dishonest about what they truly believe or practice behind closed doors.
The controversy has continued to generate debate online, with many Nigerians divided over whether Osupa’s comments were a harmless expression of personal belief or an endorsement of practices that could mislead fans.
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