By Olayode Inaolaji
Osun Osogbo Festival, in Osun State of Nigeria, is one of the most celebrated events in Yorùbá land and usually attracts the attention of people from all walks of life.
Quite many are festivals that are not recognized, but the festival in discourse, is conspicuous and has gained roots in the annal of Yorubaland.
As it is ostensible annually, the event is immensely graced with the presence of devotees, visitors, tourists, and journalists irrespective of their religion; they are doing this not for mere attendance but to receive myriads of blessings from the deity.
Appeasing this deity is a panacea to various diseases or ailments, it gives fruitfulness to barren women, it serves as protection to the entire town, and it also unifies the people, especially Osun indigenes. To mention but a few.
During the festival, several prayers are placed in its front which are, believably, answered. He-goat, Hot Drinks (Schnapps), Kolanut, fruits et al are those materials being used in getting the river placated or appeased.
Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, the Commissioner for Health in Osun State, in his interview with the newsmen, admonished people to desist from drinking from the river because it was said that it has been contaminated with diseases.
It’s quite unfortunate that some people; devotees, tourists, and journalists, reportedly, hearken not to the instructions, not minding the hazard that may accompany their actions.
May the blessing of the festival be evident in all our endeavors and ramifications. May goddess of fertility guide us and disallow us to venture in any form of action that will put stain to our immaculate toga of integrity.
Ore yeye Osun o.
Olayode Inaolaji, Oja – Ajagun, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
inaolajiolayode@gmail.com