Osun-Osogbo Is A Treasure -Aregbesola

ADEWALE ADETOYESE

Osun state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has described the river goddess, Osun-Osogbo as a treasure both to the state and humanity as a whole.
Ogbeni Aregbesola made this known on Friday at the grand finale of the 2017 Osun-Osogbo festival in Osogbo.
The governor who was represented by the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr Simeon Obawale, said the festival brings out the rich culture of the Osogbo people and Osun as a whole.

He however congratulate the Ataoja of Osogboland, Jimoh OYETUNJI for a successful celebration of this year’s edition.

He also thanked the indigenes and residents of Osogbo for creating an atmosphere of peace which allows for the smooth celebration of the festival.

Our correspondent reports that Osun is not only celebrated in Osogbo. For instance, in Ile Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, Osun is celebrated at Ita Osun which is said to be source of Osun water before flowing to Igede Ekiti and now Osogbo.

The votary maid is the symbol of the grand finale of the festival held in Osogbo and her sight elicits prayers from devotees.

As a cultural and religious festival, Osun Osogbo means different things to different people

Osun state derived its name from river Osun and the state government says it will continue to promote it.

Osun Osogbo grove was enlisted as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2005 because of the preservation of its natural forest.