Osun Osogbo Grove invasion tension rises as CAN invites a pastor over alleged incident while leaders push for peace and dialogue in Osun State
Efforts to restore calm in Osun State have intensified as religious and traditional authorities intervene following tensions linked to an alleged invasion of the Osun-Osogbo Grove by a Christian cleric.
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The Christian Association of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, confirmed that it had invited the pastor allegedly involved in the incident for questioning, though he has yet to honour the invitation.
The state chairman of the association, John Adeleke, said the body is actively working to de-escalate the situation and prevent any breakdown of inter-religious harmony.
“We have invited the pastor, but we have not seen him. We are making efforts to reach his associates so that he can appear before us,” John Adeleke said.
He stressed that the association was not aware of the cleric’s actions prior to the visit to the grove and has formally dissociated itself from the incident.
According to him, the move was neither sanctioned nor communicated to the organisation.
John Adeleke also urged residents to remain calm, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace among different religious groups in the state.
“Everyone should remain law-abiding. That is what is needed at this time to sustain peace in the state,” he said, noting that Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers have coexisted peacefully in many communities for years.
Meanwhile, the palace of the Olojudo Alayemore of Ido-Osun has ordered the closure of the church linked to the pastor, citing concerns that the situation could escalate into a broader religious conflict.
In a statement signed by the Eesa of Ido-Osun, Chief Basiru Oyewale, the palace said the cleric had ignored repeated invitations and that the decision to seal the church was necessary to prevent further unrest.
“Having refused to honour invitations, the palace will not fold its arms while actions capable of causing unrest are ongoing,” the statement read.
The controversy reportedly began after a group of pastors entered the Osun-Osogbo Grove, an action alleged to have led to the desecration of sacred sites.
Traditional worshippers subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the Osun State Police Command, calling for an investigation.
In response to the growing tension, the Osun State Government convened a meeting involving representatives from both sides, urging dialogue and restraint as a pathway to resolution.
Videos circulating on social media have further amplified public concern, showing moments of confrontation at the grove and a subsequent visit by traditional worshippers to the pastor’s church, where rituals were reportedly performed in retaliation.
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Authorities and community leaders continue to call for calm as mediation efforts intensify to prevent the situation from escalating into a wider conflict.
