Thousands of tourists, traditional worshippers and dignitaries gathered at the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo on Friday to celebrate the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural events and a UNESCO World Heritage festival.

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Guests, many dressed in white traditional attire, travelled from across Nigeria and abroad to participate in the annual celebration. Security was reinforced by personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other agencies to ensure a peaceful event.

The 10-year-old Arugba (Votary Maid), Princess Alimot Osunbunmi, completed the traditional Ifa rites before leading the sacred procession to the Osun Sacred Grove. Representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, congratulated the Ataoja of Osogbo and the people of the ancient town for preserving the globally recognised cultural festival.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting culture and tradition, describing the creative and cultural sectors as important drivers of economic growth, tourism and youth employment.

In his remarks, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, urged parents and guardians to discourage their children from engaging in thuggery and other acts capable of disrupting the peace of the town. He prayed for sustained peace in Osun State and Nigeria.

The festival attracted several prominent personalities, including the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams; Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo; and the Founder of Nike Art Gallery, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, among other distinguished guests.