Islamic Singer Aminat Obirere Faces Backlash Over Performance At Ogun Ifa Festival

Daud Olatunji

An Islamic singer, Aminat Obirere, has come under criticism on social media following her performance at the 2026 Odun Ifa Festival held in Owode Egba, Ogun State.

Obirere, who was among the entertainers at the festival, reportedly performed one of her popular songs before attendees at the event, which celebrated Yoruba cultural heritage, traditional practices and the spiritual significance of Ifa.

Her appearance at the festival has, however, triggered heated reactions among some social media users, with critics questioning the decision of a singer identified with Islamic music to participate in an event associated with traditional Yoruba religious practices.

A video circulating online showed the singer dressed in a flowing robe while performing before a gathering of festival participants.

The development has reignited discussions about the relationship between religious convictions, cultural identity and artistic freedom, particularly concerning the participation of Muslim entertainers in events organised around traditional religious practices.

One social media user, identified as gen_var, questioned what the user described as inconsistency among some Muslims who condemn certain forms of music but appear unconcerned when an Islamic singer performs at an Ifa festival.

The user wrote, “When we condemn music, the hypocrite Muslims are naming us extremists. Later you go wise.”

Another commenter, identified as taiwo oracle, expressed disappointment over what the user described as the deteriorating state of religious leadership and conduct in the country.

The commenter wrote, “Nigeria have (sic) spoil (Nigeria ti daru) everybody just dey do how them like. Pastor talk nonsense on pulpit fighting for tithes, alfas also talk nonsense and they fight each other, while spiritual musicans also do rubbish…may God take control.”

Similarly, another social media user, the_profuthman, questioned the singer’s presence at the traditional festival, asking what she was doing at an Ifa event.

The comments reflected growing disagreements among social media users over whether participation in culturally significant traditional festivals necessarily amounts to an endorsement of the religious beliefs and practices associated with such gatherings.

The 2026 Odun Ifa Festival was organised by the family of the Oluna of Owode Egbaland, High Chief Ayoola Adeyiolaifa.

The festival was held at Olunla Villa, Balogun Quarters, Owode Egba, Ogun State.

The organisers said the event was designed to showcase Yoruba cultural heritage, celebrate age-long traditions and recognise the significance of Ifa in the community.

Although the festival was presented as an avenue for promoting indigenous culture and traditional practices, Obirere’s participation has shifted public attention towards the intersection of religion and cultural expression.

The controversy has also raised broader questions about how religious entertainers navigate their professional engagements in a culturally diverse society such as Nigeria.

However, the criticisms directed at the singer have largely centred on her participation in the festival, with no indication in the material available that she had publicly responded to the reactions or explained the circumstances surrounding her appearance.

As of the time of filing this report, Obirere had not issued a public statement addressing the controversy.

.....