Tight safeguards in place for Osun-Osogbo festivities

The ancient Osun-Osogbo Grove was surrounded by a robust security presence as the annual Osun cultural festival commenced in Osogbo on Friday, with armed police operatives lining the road from Olaiya-Ita-Olokan Road to the grove.

n

These security personnel, stationed approximately 20 feet apart, maintained a watchful eye on all movement in and out of the grove, ensuring a secure environment for the festivities.

n

At the final entrance to the grove, heavily armed military personnel were also deployed, overseeing the arrival of adherents and participants in the festival as they made their way into the grove.

n

Inside the grove, members of the Vigilante Corps restricted journalists from accessing the podium designated for invited guests, who had yet to arrive at the time of the restriction.

n

The leader of the security team simply stated to inquiring journalists, “CSO said we should not allow you on the podium,” when asked about the denial of access to the area.

n

A reliable security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the heightened security measures were necessary due to the recent killings in Osun, which have been linked to rivalry among cult groups, emphasizing the need for top-notch security.

n

Omisewa Omolade, an Osun adherent from Ikorodu, Lagos State, described the festival as “an important festival that occupies a prominent place in Yoruba spirituality,” highlighting its significance in the traditionalist community.

n

She further expressed her dedication to the festival, stating, “I come to Osogbo every year to participate in this festival, as this site holds great importance for us, traditionalists, similar to other symbolic spiritual sites globally for adherents of other religions.

n

At the time of filing this report, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, and the votary maid were expected to arrive at the grove to commence the final rites of the festival.

n

Prior to the festival, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, assured residents, tourists, worshippers, visitors, and other stakeholders of the command’s commitment to providing adequate security before, during, and after the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival, as stated in a statement on Thursday.

n

The statement, signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, outlined the command’s intensified preparations to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration of the festival, which attracts visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

n

According to Ojelabi, the commissioner directed various units to implement comprehensive security measures across Osogbo and other strategic locations to safeguard lives and property and maintain public order throughout the festive period.

n

The statement also revealed that security personnel would be strategically deployed to major venues, access routes, worship and tourist sites, markets, motor parks, and other identified flashpoints to ensure a secure environment.

n

The command also assured the public that it would 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.

n

The command further assured the public that adequate arrangements had been made to manage traffic, regulate crowds, prevent criminal activities, and respond promptly to emergencies, urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the festival.