Ataoja debunks Osun groove sale allegations, calling for infrastructure, protection and more investment from Osun Osogbo Festival sponsors

Ataoja debunks Osun groove sale claims made by critics, insisting that no part of the sacred land has been sold or encroached upon. Oba Olanipekun Jimoh Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogbo, addressed the issue during a summit held ahead of the 2025 Osun Osogbo Festival in Osogbo.

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Speaking at the summit themed Tradition, Trade and Transformation: Building Africa’s Global Cultural Future, Oba Oyetunji assured stakeholders that the integrity of the UNESCO-recognised Osun groove remains intact.

“The land separated by the state government for UNESCO for the Osun Osogbo groove has not been encroached upon. The land is still intact and under the watchful eyes of the Osun groove custodians,” he stated.

The monarch urged festival sponsors to invest in permanent structures and protective walls to safeguard the heritage site. He noted this would stop any potential encroachment and reduce bush burning risks.

On his part, Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo, described the summit as an opportunity to showcase the state’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity.

“Culture is all about identity and promotion. Osun Osogbo is one of the major cultural heritages and one of the two UNESCO-recognised heritage sites in Nigeria,” Ojo said.

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He also highlighted the need for a creative economy to provide opportunities for youth while calling attention to the sacrifices made in maintaining and sponsoring the festival.