Popular Fuji musician, Saheed Okunola, widely known as Saheed Osupa, has stirred controversy after openly admitting to engaging in traditional spiritual practices, popularly referred to as “juju,” as part of his pursuit of success.
Osupa made the statement during a stage performance at the 52nd birthday celebration of veteran actor Fatai Odua, also known as Lalude, on March 30, 2026.
In a video from the event that surfaced online on Wednesday, the singer was seen addressing his backup singers, advising them to adopt similar practices to improve their performance and memory while on stage.
He went further to explain that such practices, in his view, do not make a person fetish but are meant to enhance well-being and personal progress.
Reflecting on past advice, Osupa said he had once been urged to deny involvement in spiritual practices but chose to be open about it. “Someone once told me to grant an interview denying I am fetish, but I refused. I didn’t harm anyone with it. I am only seeking progress,” he said.
He added that he regularly pays homage to Ifa, describing it as a practice he values, while dismissing suggestions that success could come from conventional means alone.
The Fuji star also argued that many people engage in similar practices privately. “Everybody practises it. Some do theirs secretly, but I choose to be open,” he said, adding that claims of relying solely on religious texts are often insincere.
His remarks have since triggered widespread reactions, particularly among Islamic clerics and followers who expressed disappointment in his comments.
One cleric, identified as Alagusiy on TikTok, rejected Osupa’s claims and urged him to abandon such practices, insisting that his success is divinely ordained rather than tied to juju.
Another commentator, Uwais Lukman, argued that Osupa’s career in music already places him outside strict religious expectations, while a third critic, General Tom, accused the singer of disrespecting God.
In response to the backlash on Tuesday, Osupa maintained that he holds both the Bible and the Quran in high regard and recognises Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad as messengers of God. However, he criticised what he described as insincerity among those condemning him.
Despite the reactions, the singer did not retract his earlier statements or directly address the criticisms from specific clerics.
