Lifestyle

10 Lagos Superstitions That Still Hold Power Today

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 16th, 2025.

10 Lagos Superstitions That Still Hold Power Today

Lagos, known for its hustle, towering buildings, endless traffic, and buzzing tech scene, also carries a hidden layer of age-old beliefs that still shape daily behavior. From the streets of Surulere to boardrooms in Victoria Island, superstitions are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Whether seen as cultural wisdom or old legends, here are ten common superstitions many Lagosians still take seriously.

1. Avoid Picking Money Off the Ground

It’s widely believed that stray money found on the road might be spiritually manipulated, potentially bringing misfortune or strange illnesses to whoever picks it up.

2. Whistling at Night? Don’t Dare.

Whistling after dark is frowned upon in many neighborhoods. Some say it invites snakes or draws the attention of spirits roaming the night.

3. Watch Where You Sweep!

In many homes, accidentally sweeping someone’s feet is seen as a bad omen — particularly regarding their chances of getting married. To break the curse? The person must sweep themselves immediately.

4. Never Borrow Salt or Palm Oil at Night

Asking for these kitchen essentials after sundown is thought to attract bad luck or drain spiritual energy. Some will gently decline your request, no matter how urgent.

5. Pregnant Women Should Avoid Night Walks

There’s a deep-rooted fear that spirits could harm unborn babies or even replace them with supernatural ones. Expecting mothers are often warned to stay indoors after dark.

6. Eating Outdoors at Night is Spiritually Risky

Enjoying a late meal outside may seem harmless, but some believe it leaves you open to spiritual attacks or the evil eye.

7. Itchy Palms and Money Signs

If your right palm itches, you might be receiving money soon. But if it’s the left, beware — cash could be leaving your hands soon.

8. Don’t Harm That Wall Gecko

These small creatures are considered spiritual messengers in many homes. Killing one is believed to bring bad luck or disrupt the spiritual balance of the household.

9. Rain on Your Wedding? That’s a Blessing

Instead of spoiling the day, a downpour during a wedding is viewed by many as a sign of divine favor and fertility — a positive omen for the couple’s future.

10. Never Sleep with Your Head Facing the Door

Some Lagosians believe sleeping with your head pointed toward the door makes you vulnerable to spiritual disturbances or bad dreams, prompting careful bed placements in many homes.

Final Thoughts

Whether embraced with full conviction or followed just in case, these superstitions reveal the deep cultural roots that still thrive in Lagos today. They show how tradition continues to influence the rhythms of modern life — a reminder that in Lagos, the spiritual and the contemporary often coexist side by side.