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Osun-Osogbo festival: Devotees Defy Warning, Drink From Osun River
Despite the state government’s warning against drinking water from the Osun River during the grand finale of the Osun Osogbo festival due to contamination, many devotees and visitors were sighted on Friday, defying health warnings.
Some worshippers, who fetched the water in different sizes of jerrycans, were seen drinking the water on their way out of the grove.
Devotees and visitors, who had trooped out to the riverside in white attire and beads, were seen singing traditional songs and dancing. A worshipper, Abidoye Osungbenro, said she strongly believed that nothing would happen to her if she drank the contaminated water.
Ms Osungbenro said the deity would protect her and others from any ailment as a result of drinking contaminated water. She said the government’s advisory about drinking from the contaminated river would not be beneficial to those who believe in the efficacy of the water.
Another devotee, Adeoye Ifadayo, described the Osun River as divine, providing healing and protection. Ms Ifadayo said the government’s advisory would not stop them from drinking the contaminated water.
Similarly, Sadiq Adeoso, an Osun devotee, said with the divine power in the river, nothing would happen to those who drink its contaminated water because of its sacred powers.
The contaminated water, packaged in jerrycans, was sold at the grove’s entrance, with the price of the water ranging from N150 to N350.
During the festival, tourists, visitors and devotees usually drink from the Osun River for its perceived divine healing properties, while some take the water home to bathe.
The government on Thursday advised tourists and devotees to the grand finale of the festival to refrain from drinking the water because of contamination.
Commissioner for health, Rafiu Isamotu, said the government embarked on sensitisation to discourage people from drinking the water during the festival as the activities of artisanal miners had contaminated it.
Mr Isamotu said public health officials would be at the grove during the festival to sensitise further people on the dangers of drinking the water. According to the curator and site manager of Osun Osogbo Grove, Adekunle Fatai, no fewer than 60,000 devotees and tourists are expected at the grand finale.
The river is heavily contaminated with mercury, lead, cyanide and other harmful elements poisonous to human health. Geographical information analysis and laboratory tests carried out by Urban Alert affirmed the presence of heavy elements in the water.
Meanwhile, traditionalists and Osun devotees continued to troop the river in their numbers as early as 7:00 a.m to celebrate the festival’s grand finale. Traditional entertainers and cultural troops entertained guests and visitors at the grove.
The Osun-Osogbo festival, whose history dates back many centuries, is usually celebrated in an ancient grove believed to be among the last of the sacred forests among Yoruba cities.
In recognition of its global significance and cultural value, the Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
For the people of Osogbo, the festival symbolises the traditional cleansing of the town and the cultural reunion of the people with their ancestors and founders of the Osogbo kingdom.
(NAN)
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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