Condemnation has followed the invasion of the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove by a group of self-acclaimed prophets who reportedly attempted to “cast out” the spirit of the river goddess and conducted what they described as a biblical cleansing.

The Incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, showed a group of white garment prophets led by Odedoyin Ezekiel entering the grove, praying and making declarations against traditional spiritual symbols within the site.

The action has triggered tension among traditional worshippers, cultural custodians, and residents, with concerns raised over religious intolerance and the desecration of cultural heritage.

Reacting, traditionalists under the Otuagasa Foundation described the act as sacrilegious and capable of inciting unrest between adherents of traditional religion and Christians in the state.

Founder of the foundation, Ogundeji Elebuibon, alleged that the group gained access to the grove and carried out actions he described as provocative.

He warned that such conduct, if unchecked, could escalate into a wider religious crisis in Osogbo.

Elebuibon questioned how Christian groups would react if traditional worshippers entered churches to carry out similar actions, urging the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to caution its members against acts capable of inflaming tensions.

He stressed that the Osun-Osogbo grove is not only a religious site but also a cultural heritage of global significance that has existed for centuries and must be protected.

The traditionalist noted that while practitioners of indigenous religion have coexisted peacefully with other faiths, such tolerance should not be taken for granted.

He called on relevant authorities, including security agencies and traditional institutions, to investigate the incident and take necessary action to prevent a breakdown of law and order. (The Nation)