By Ibrahim Olaosebikan, Osogbo

There was a heavy security presence around the ancient Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove as the annual Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival commenced in Osogbo, Osun State, on Friday.

Along the road leading to the grove from the Olaiya-Ita-Olokan axis, armed police operatives were strategically deployed to maintain order and ensure the safety of participants and visitors.

The security personnel, stationed at regular intervals, closely monitored movement into and out of the grove, while heavily armed military personnel were also observed at the final entrance to the sacred site.

Adherents, tourists, traditional worshippers, and other participants moved steadily into the grove under the watchful eyes of security agencies deployed for the event.

Inside the grove, members of the Vigilante Corps restricted journalists from accessing the podium designated for invited guests. At the time of the restriction, none of the expected dignitaries had arrived at the venue.

When approached by journalists, the leader of the security team explained that the directive had come from the Chief Security Officer, stating that media personnel were not permitted on the podium area.

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the extensive security arrangements to recent security concerns in the state.

“Security must be watertight because of the incidents of violence recorded in recent months in Osun State. Some of these incidents have been linked to rival cult groups, making it necessary to strengthen security around major public gatherings such as this,” the source said.

Speaking on the significance of the festival, an Osun devotee from Ikorodu, Lagos State, Omisewa Omolade, described the annual celebration as a cornerstone of Yoruba spirituality and cultural heritage.

“I come to Osogbo every year to participate in this festival. Just as sacred sites around the world hold deep spiritual significance for adherents of other faiths, the Osun Sacred Grove occupies a special place for traditional worshippers,” she said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, and the Arugba (votary maid) were being awaited at the grove for the commencement of the final rites of the festival.

Earlier, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, assured residents, visitors, tourists, worshippers, and other stakeholders of adequate security before, during, and after the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said extensive preparations had been made to guarantee a peaceful, orderly, and successful celebration of the internationally acclaimed cultural festival.

The police commissioner directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and other operational units to implement comprehensive security measures across Osogbo and other strategic locations to protect lives and property and maintain public order throughout the festivities.

According to the statement, security personnel have been deployed to major festival venues, access routes, worship centres, tourist attractions, markets, motor parks, and other identified flashpoints.

The command also pledged close collaboration with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers, community leaders, and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and prompt response to any security challenges.

Police authorities further assured the public that adequate arrangements had been put in place for traffic control, crowd management, crime prevention, and emergency response, while urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the celebration.