Heavy security at Osun-Osogbo festival
August 7, 2026 11:43 am
Heavy security at Osun-Osogbo festival | Bola Bamigbola
There was heavy security around the ancient Osun-Osogbo Grove as the annual Osun cultural festival got underway in Osogbo on Friday.
From the road leading to the grove from the Olaiya-Ita-Olokan Road, there was a heavy presence of armed police operatives.
The security operatives, positioned about 20 feet apart, were observed keeping close watch on movement into and out of the grove.
At the last entrance to the grove, heavily armed military personnel were also observed as adherents and participants in the festival moved into the grove.
Inside the grove, members of the Vigilante Corps barred journalists from accessing the podium where invited guests would be seated.
However, as of the time the security operatives prevented journalists from accessing the area, none of the invited guests had arrived.
The leader of the security team simply told journalists who approached him, “CSO said we should not allow you on the podium.”
Speaking on the heavy security presence, a reliable security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Security must be top-notch because of the killings in recent months in Osun. The development has been linked to rivalry among cult groups.”
Speaking to The PUNCH on the significance of the festival, an Osun adherent from Ikorodu, Lagos State, Omisewa Omolade, described the festival as “an important festival that occupies a prominent place in Yoruba spirituality.”
She further said, “I come to Osogbo every year to participate in this festival. Just as other symbolic spiritual sites globally are important to adherents of other religions, this site is important to us, traditionalists.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, and the votary maid were being expected at the grove for the final rites to commence.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, on Thursday 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.
The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, and obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.
Ojelabi also said the command had 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.
The PPRO further said the commissioner had 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.”
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.
“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.
“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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