Osun-Osogbo festival: Police assure residents, visitors of adequate security

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Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, on Thursday assured residents, tourists, worshippers, visitors, and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing adequate security before, during, and after the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival.

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The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.

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Ojelabi also said the command has intensified preparations to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and successful celebration of the internationally recognised cultural festival, which usually attracts visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

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The PPRO further said the commissioner has directed “Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and other operational units to put in place comprehensive security measures across Osogbo and other strategic locations to safeguard lives and property and maintain public order throughout the festive period.”

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The statement further read, “Security personnel will be strategically deployed to major venues, access routes, worship and tourist sites, markets, motor parks, and other identified flashpoints.

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“The command will also work closely with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers, community leaders, and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and prompt response to any security challenge.

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“The command further assures members of the public that adequate arrangements have been made to manage traffic, regulate crowds, prevent criminal activities, and respond promptly to emergencies. We urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the festival.”

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The command advised residents to cooperate with security personnel, avoid acts that could cause disorder, and promptly report suspicious persons, objects, or activities to the nearest police station or security personnel.

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“Parents and guardians are particularly advised to keep watch over their children and wards in crowded areas, while motorists and other road users are urged to comply with traffic regulations and instructions from personnel deployed for traffic management.

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“The command also warns criminally minded individuals, including cultists, hoodlums, thieves, and other persons intending to exploit the festival to commit crimes, that the command will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of the state,” Ojelabi said.

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The police further said that appropriate measures have been put in place to identify and decisively deal with criminal activities in accordance with the law.

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He said the CP also commended the residents for their continued support and cooperation with the command and urged them to celebrate peacefully and responsibly.

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Activities for the annual Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival have commenced with the Iwopopo, the traditional cleansing of paths, which will climax on Friday with the symbolic trip of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji and the votary maid, alongside Osun adherents, to the grove for the final part of the spiritual rites.

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