A middle-aged pastor, identified as Benjamin Gboyega has been arraigned before the Magistrate Court, Èjìòkú, for spiritual scamming activities using Ifá divinatory objects (Ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀ and Odù Ifá book), to dupe people that seek for his spiritual guidance.
A statement released by the Asst. Publicity Secretary, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Welfare Association, Babátúndé Adéifá Adégòkè on the 25th of June, revealed that Pastor Benjamin (as he is popularly called), who resides at Technical 1 road Ejioku, pastors at St. Paul Anglican Church located at Ọlọ́ṣundé, Lágelú Local Government area, Ibadan, Oyo State.
It was gathered that Babalawos in the area had noticed his criminal activities and set him up with two persons that disguised as clients, needing spiritual assistance.
“On getting there, he prayed for them and afterwards took them inside to consult for them using Ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀ Ifá and Ifá book titled “Ìwé Mímọ́ Ifá: Ẹ̀sìn Àkọ́dá Olódùmarè” written by Chief Ifalere Odegbola, the Àràbà of Ìbàdànland to give them messages”, a diviner said.
Caught red handed, Gboyega was reported to the police at Ìyànà Offa, Lágelú Local Government area and he was arrested on Tuesday, 21st of June, 2022.
In the meantime, he was arraigned before the Magistrate Court, Èjìòkú on Thursday 23rd of June, 2022 for trial, from where he was remanded him in Agodi Prison while the case has been adjourned to Thursday, 14th of July, 2022 for the continuation of the trial.