Popular Fuji musician Saheed Osupa has openly admitted that he engages in traditional spiritual practices, including what many people refer to as voodoo, as part of his personal life and career journey.
The singer made the revelation during the 52nd birthday celebration of veteran Nollywood actor Fatai Odua, popularly known as Lalude, on March 30.
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In a video from the event, which surfaced online and went viral on Wednesday, Osupa spoke candidly about his beliefs and defended his decision to practise traditional spirituality.
According to him, there is nothing wrong with seeking spiritual support through traditional means, provided it is not used to harm others.
Osupa said he sees such practices as a way to improve his life, remain focused and achieve success.
He also encouraged other people to explore similar practices if they believe it could help them become more productive or improve their memory and concentration.
The Fuji star stressed that the kind of spiritual practice he engages in should not be viewed as evil or dangerous.
He argued that many people wrongly associate traditional spirituality with negative acts, whereas for him, it is simply a personal belief system.
“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,” he said.
The singer explained that he has no reason to hide his beliefs because he has never used them for harmful purposes.
According to him, his intention has always been to seek progress and stability in life.
“I didn’t kill anyone with my juju or commit evil with it. I am only looking for how to progress. Nothing more,” he said.
Osupa further revealed that he performs daily obeisance to Ifa, the traditional Yoruba spiritual system.
He described the practice as an important part of his daily life and said he believes it contributes to his growth and success.
“That’s why anytime I wake, I always pay obeisance to my Ifa,” he stated.
“I don’t know the deity beyond it, because it is worth paying homage to.”
The musician went on to argue that spiritual effort should go hand in hand with physical work.
According to him, while people may rely on prayer, hard work, or medicine to succeed, he believes traditional spirituality also has a role to play.
He questioned why people often criticise those who openly practise traditional religion while accepting other forms of faith and spirituality.
“If I don’t engage in voodoo, what else should I have employed? Is it Phensic or Panadol that will make me successful?” he asked.
Osupa added that there is nothing admirable about remaining poor or struggling unnecessarily.
He said people should seek comfort and progress in life through every lawful means available to them.
“It is not good to be poor and still not live a good life. Even if one is not enormously rich, one should enjoy comfort,” he said.
The Fuji star also claimed that many people secretly engage in similar traditional practices but are unwilling to admit it publicly.
According to him, he is simply more honest than others because he chooses not to hide what he believes in.
“Everybody practises voodoo. While some hide behind the scenes to do theirs, I do mine in the open,” he said.
He further argued that some people publicly claim to rely only on Christianity or Islam while privately participating in traditional spiritual practices.
“All those talks of mine that I rely solely on the Bible and the Quran are pure lies,” he added.
Osupa’s comments have since generated mixed reactions on social media.
While some people praised him for being open and honest about his beliefs, others criticised his remarks and said they could encourage superstition.
Supporters of the singer argued that traditional religion is part of African culture and should not automatically be condemned.
They noted that many Nigerians combine traditional beliefs with Christianity or Islam, even if they do not openly admit it.
Others said Osupa’s comments reflected the reality of many communities where indigenous spiritual systems still play an important role in daily life.
However, critics said his comments could be controversial because of the sensitive nature of religion in Nigeria.
Some people argued that success comes from hard work, talent, and determination rather than spiritual rituals.
Others insisted that public figures should be careful about the kind of message they send to their fans and followers.
The debate has also reopened conversations about the place of traditional religion in modern Nigerian society.
Although Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions in the country, traditional beliefs and practices remain influential in many communities, especially in the South-West.
For decades, traditional worshippers have argued that their beliefs deserve the same respect and recognition as other religions.
Saheed Osupa, who has spent several decades in the Nigerian music industry, is one of the most respected Fuji musicians in the country.
Known for his outspoken nature, the singer has never shied away from controversial topics.
His latest comments have once again placed him at the centre of public conversation, with many Nigerians debating whether his openness about traditional spirituality is courageous, controversial, or both.
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