There was a heavy security presence at the ancient Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove on Friday as the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival commenced in Osogbo, Osun State.
Armed police officers were deployed along the road leading from Olaiya-Ita-Olokan Road to the sacred grove, with operatives positioned at regular intervals to monitor movement into and out of the venue.
At the final entrance to the grove, heavily armed military personnel were also stationed as traditional worshippers, devotees and other participants arrived for the annual cultural celebration.
Inside the grove, members of the Vigilante Corps restricted journalists from accessing the podium reserved for invited guests.
Although no dignitaries had arrived at the time, the head of the security team told journalists:
“CSO said we should not allow you on the podium.”
A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the extensive security arrangements to recent violence in the state.
“Security must be top-notch because of the killings in recent months in Osun. The development has been linked to rivalry among cult groups,” the source said.
An Osun devotee from Ikorodu, Lagos State, Omisewa Omolade, described the festival as one of the most important events in Yoruba traditional religion.
“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,” she said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, and the Arugba (votary maid) were being expected at the sacred grove for the commencement of the final traditional rites.
Ahead of the festival, the Osun State Police Command assured residents, tourists, worshippers and visitors of adequate security throughout the event.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan had directed area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical units and other operational teams to implement comprehensive security measures across Osogbo and other strategic locations.
According to the command, security personnel have been deployed to major festival venues, access roads, worship centres, tourist attractions, markets, motor parks and other identified flashpoints.
The police also said they were working closely with government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, manage traffic, regulate crowds and respond promptly to any security incidents during the internationally recognised cultural festival.
