THE Osun State Government has announced a ban on social activities and gatherings at this year’s Osun-Osogbo Festival, owing to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola, however, approved the observance of traditional rites and routines associated with the festival.
It also stated that only worshippers would be allowed into the grove to perform their annual supplications.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Obawale Adebisi, who, on behalf of the state government, announced the decision in a statement issued on Tuesday night, said the position of the government became necessary because of the spike in the number of people who had tested positive for COVID-19 in the state.
Adebisi said, “The State Government of Osun is by this medium informing the general public that this year’s celebration of Osun-Osogbo Festival will be symbolic, as only the worshippers that will perform ritual activities will be allowed into the Grove.
“These worshippers must, however, comply with the State Government’s COVID-19 protocols. To this effect, the State Government of Osun has banned all social activities associated with the celebration of the 2020 Osun-Osogbo Festival and prays that subsequent festivals will be better celebrated at the exit of the current pandemic.”
Meanwhile, the state government has congratulated the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye (II), and the people of Osogbo, on the celebration of the 2020 Osun-Osogbo festival.
