The Osun State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo has reiterated that nobody can stop adherents of the Osun deity from drinking from the Osun River.

Ojo also maintained that in order not to cast any doubts on the purity level of the water, the government can come in by way of ensuring that the river is kept clean for human consumption.

The commissioner made this known during a press briefing as part of activities lined up for the celebration of the Osun-Osogbo Festival on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Ojo, who maintained that the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove is a UNESCO Category II Heritage Site, added that the vegetation in the site is one of the most natural in Nigeria.

He also disclosed that it affords both medical and economic values to the people.

“Nobody can stop Osun adherents from drinking from the river, but what government can do is to ensure that the river is kept clean and safe for human consumption.

“Osogbo has the most natural groove and vegetation in Nigeria with medical and economic value.

“The Osun-Osogbo grove is 70% natural. The habitat is natural and devoid of pollution,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji said drinking the Osun River brings about miracles to adherents and others.

Oba Oyetunji disclosed that the Festival is like a pilgrimage due to the many miracles that occur when people use the the water from the Osun River with faith.

“Drinking the Osun water by individuals bring about certain miracles.

“The Festival is like a pilgrimage due to the many miracles that occur when people use it believing.”

The monarch also revealed that a chemical test has been carried out on the water from the river and it was certified that the Osun River is pure without any impurities, acid and base.

“A chemical test has been conducted in the river and it was discovered that the water from the Osun river is pure without acid and base.

“Osun River is very significant because it is for for drinking, building and other useful things and the Osun-Osogbo is a fantastic festival and no person looses out during the period of festivities.”

Osun-Osogbo: Adherents can’t be stopped from drinking from sacred river — Commissioner