Osun-Osogbo festival: Devotees defy warning, drink from Osun River


Devotees of the Osun deity were on Friday spotted drinking from the Osun River despite warnings from the Osun State Government that the water had been contaminated by activities of artisan miners.

As the Osun-Osogbo festival comes to a climax on Friday, August 12, thousands of Osun devotees and visitors had converged on the Osun grove.

It was reported that many of them were seen fetching water from the river in different containers and also drinking the water on their way out of the grove.

Devotees and visitors, who had trooped out to the riverside in their white attires and beads, were seen singing and dancing to traditional songs.

The Osun State Commissioner for Health, Rafiu Isamotu, speaking earlier with journalists, said public health officials would be at the grove during the festival to further sensitise people on the dangers of drinking the water.