Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove at Risk of UNESCO Delisting Amid Rampant Land Encroachment

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a revered cultural and spiritual site in Nigeria and a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site since 2005, now stands on the brink of losing its prestigious status. The growing threat comes from a surge of land grabbers encroaching on the buffer zones surrounding the grove, rapidly transforming the once-protected area into a landscape dotted with unauthorized residential buildings and commercial structures.

Nestled in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, the grove is considered the spiritual home of the Yoruba deity Osun and serves as one of the last remaining sacred forests in southern Nigeria. Recognised for its cultural richness and ecological significance, the site has long been protected under federal laws. However, recent developments paint a troubling picture of government inaction and community neglect.

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Encroachment Raises Alarm Over Heritage Site’s Future

A visit to the grove by our correspondent revealed disturbing changes. Residential buildings now dominate the grove’s buffer zones, with one of the most glaring violations being the construction of a hotel near one of the entrances — a structure that is already nearing completion. These developments violate UNESCO’s conditions for preserving World Heritage Sites, particularly regarding buffer zone integrity and environmental safeguarding.

According to UNESCO guidelines, any changes to the designated heritage site or its surrounding buffer zones must be approved and carefully monitored. The ongoing construction not only disrupts the aesthetic and spiritual essence of the grove but could also disqualify it from maintaining its heritage status if unchecked.

The consequences of delisting are dire. Not only would the site lose global recognition, but it would also forfeit access to international support and funding dedicated to cultural preservation. For a site that draws local and international tourists annually, such a loss would be both cultural and economic.

Traditional Leaders Voice Frustration Over Government Inaction

Traditionalist and cultural advocate, Ogundeji Elebuibon, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation. He accused both government agencies and influential community figures of ignoring the clear and present danger posed by encroachers.

“The situation at the grove is very unfortunate, and one fears that if the development is not checked, it would lead to the delisting of the grove as a UNESCO heritage site,” Elebuibon lamented. “The South entrance has been completely overtaken by buildings. More land is being cleared every day, and all the levels of government — local, state, and federal — appear to be watching without acting.”

His comments underscore a growing frustration among custodians of the grove who feel helpless in the face of mounting pressure from developers and land speculators.

Government Agencies Respond Amid Legal Challenges

In response to the concerns, the Curator and Site Manager of the National Museum and Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Aworeni Joseph, confirmed awareness of the encroachment and said the agency is actively taking steps to curb the situation.

“We are not lackadaisical about it. We are aware of the developments, especially in the buffer zones, and steps are being taken to bring those involved to book,” Aworeni stated. “I was personally there to inspect the area, but we’re facing legal impediments to stop construction work in the affected areas.”

While the Curator’s comments suggest a degree of institutional awareness, the presence of buildings already at advanced stages of completion indicates that any intervention may have come too late or lacks the necessary legal and political backing to be effective.

A Call to Action to Preserve Nigeria’s Cultural Legacy

The looming threat to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a clear call to action. It is a litmus test of Nigeria’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage in the face of urbanization and unregulated development. If the trend continues, Nigeria risks losing not just a title bestowed by UNESCO, but a living testament to its history, spirituality, and ecological heritage.

Experts and cultural advocates urge the federal and Osun State governments to immediately collaborate on enforcement measures, including boundary protection, legal action against encroachers, and community sensitization campaigns. The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), alongside UNESCO’s Nigerian Liaison Office, must take swift and decisive steps to halt the degradation before it’s too late.

In a time when global heritage is increasingly under threat, safeguarding the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is not just a local obligation — it’s a national duty.