Social activities and gatherings at this year’s Osun-Osogbo Festival has been cancelled by the Osun state government.

The state government which however approved the observance of traditional rites and routines associated with the festival, added that only authorised persons and worshippers will be allowed into the grove.

Osun state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Obawale Adebisi who made the announcement said the decision became necessary due to the increased cases of Coronavirus recorded in the state.

He said;

“The state government is by this medium informing the public that this year’s celebration of Osun-Osogbo festival will be symbolic, as only the worshippers that will perform ritual activities will be allowed into the grove.
“These worshippers must however, comply with the state government’s COVID-19 protocols.
“To this effect, the government has banned all social activities associated with the celebration and prays that subsequent festivals will be better celebrated at the exit of the current pandemic.”