The Secret of the Serpent: Ogbanje Woman Claims Cobras Are ‘Messengers’ Following Nanyah’s Death

The death of late singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as “Nanyah,” has continued to spark conversations online after a Nigerian woman, who describes herself as a “strong ogbanje,” shared a viral TikTok video linking the tragedy to what she called ignored spiritual warnings.

Ifunanya reportedly died after a fatal snake bite, a development that shocked many Nigerians and triggered intense discussions across social media platforms.

TikTok User Claims Death Was “Not Ordinary”

In the trending video, the woman—identified on TikTok as @dibia_ugo_awelle—described the circumstances surrounding Ifunanya’s death as “mysterious.”

She claimed that certain life events, including death, can be influenced by spiritual alignment, insisting that neglecting one’s spiritual identity may have serious consequences.

Woman Shares Personal Spiritual Journey

While reacting to the singer’s passing, the TikTok user also shared personal experiences from her own life, as well as those of her late mother, to support her claims.

She described her mother as gifted, intelligent, and exceptional, but claimed she died young because she was forced into Christianity rather than being allowed to embrace what she believed was her true spiritual path.

According to her, witnessing her mother’s life and death pushed her to search for her own spiritual roots.

Claims Cobras Are Spiritual Messengers

The woman further alleged that cobras serve as spiritual messengers, linking this belief to both Ifunanya’s death and her own past encounters with snakes.

She claimed that after one such encounter, she fell critically ill and nearly died, adding that she only recovered after elders intervened and helped her understand what she described as a grave spiritual “misalignment.”

Links Singing Talent to “Ogbanje” Identity

Drawing parallels between herself and the late singer, she claimed that individuals identified as “ogbanje” often possess musical talent but are believed to have limited time on earth.

She also asserted that rejecting traditional spirituality in favour of Christianity could result in serious spiritual consequences, according to her beliefs.

Returning to the Village, She Says, Brought Peace

The TikTok user revealed that she eventually returned to her village to reconnect with her spiritual background, a decision she said brought her peace.

According to her, the move ended years of recurring nightmares and helped her feel spiritually aligned, adding that she was determined not to repeat what she believes led to her mother’s early death.

In her words, she described herself as a “strong ogbanje,” claiming that her mother—whom she portrayed as exceptionally gifted and intelligent—died young because she was forced into Christianity rather than being allowed to follow what the woman believes was her true spiritual calling.

She further claimed that cobras appeared to both her and Ifunanya under unusual circumstances, insisting these encounters were spiritual in nature. The TikTok user also alleged that she once sang in a church choir for years, much like the late singer, before eventually leaving to “trace her roots.”

According to her, reconnecting with her spiritual identity brought her peace and clarity, reinforcing her belief that “alignment” is essential for survival.

Nigerians React as Video Goes Viral

The video has continued to trend on TikTok, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians.

While some viewers supported her claims and shared similar personal experiences, others strongly criticized her views, describing them as controversial, misleading, or harmful.

Despite the backlash, the woman has maintained her stance, insisting that understanding and embracing one’s spiritual identity is, in her words, “key to survival.”