SAGAMU, Nigeria — A 21-year-old woman, Sukura Owodunni, has been severely burned in a shocking incident at Cherubim and Seraphim Maberu Parish in Offin, Sagamu, Ogun State.
The pastor, Taiwo Odebiyi, allegedly tried to perform a “deliverance” ritual on her when she was set on fire.
The incident occurred on August 17, 2023, after Owodunni visited the church at the pastor’s invitation for a special prayer session.
Pastor Odebiyi instructed Owodunni to purchase Amazing Grace perfume, local eggs, and a candle as part of the ritual.
While in the middle of the prayer, the pastor reportedly poured the perfume on Owodunni and lit the candle.
She was engulfed in flames almost immediately, suffering severe burns to her chest, shoulders, and legs.
Abdulfattah Ogunsanya, the Divisional Police Officer in Adigbe, along with his team, quickly arrived at the scene and arrested Pastor Odebiyi.
When reached for comment, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident. “Our men have arrested the suspect. The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department after the preliminary investigation is perfected,” Odutola told journalists.
She added, “The lady was said to have been abandoned to fend for her medical bills after the incident. The victim has been taken to the hospital for medical attention.”
The case has stirred public outrage, reigniting debates over the role of religious institutions and the ethical boundaries within which they operate.
This incident is the latest in a series of disturbing events involving religious leaders taking extreme measures under the guise of spirituality.
“The actions of this pastor go beyond the bounds of what is acceptable in any community,” said Dr. Ifeoma Eze, a social activist and scholar on religion and gender. “It’s not just a violation of human rights; it’s an act of violence that all should condemn.”
As Owodunni remains in the hospital, community members call for strict regulations on religious practices that endanger lives.
As for Pastor Odebiyi, his actions are set to be scrutinized as part of a broader investigation that aims to unearth the full circumstances surrounding this horrifying case.
