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Efforts to restore calm in Osun State intensified as religious and traditional leaders took steps to address tensions arising from an alleged invasion of the Osun-Osogbo Grove by a Christian cleric.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state confirmed that it had invited the pastor linked to the incident for questioning over his alleged role.
The state chairman of the association, Pastor John Adeleke, who disclosed this during a chat with journalists, noted that the cleric had yet to honour the invitation.
According to Adeleke, “the association was working to de-escalate the situation and prevent any breakdown of inter-religious harmony.
“We have invited the pastor, but we have not seen him. We are making efforts to reach his associates so that he can appear before us.”
He stated that the association was not aware of the pastor’s actions prior to the visit to the grove and did not authorise such a move.
“We did not send him, and he did not inform us before embarking on that trip. We totally dissociate ourselves from the act,” Adeleke added.
The CAN chairman urged residents and stakeholders to remain calm while efforts were ongoing to resolve the matter peacefully.
“Everyone should remain law-abiding. That is what is needed at this time to sustain peace in the state,” he said.
He also highlighted the longstanding coexistence among different religious groups in Osun, stressing the need to preserve that unity.
“In many communities, Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers live side by side without issues,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the palace of the Olojudo Alayemore of Ido-Osun announced the closure of the church linked to the pastor.
The directive was issued following allegations that the cleric’s actions could incite religious unrest within the community.
In a statement signed by the Eesa of Ido-Osun, Chief Basiru Oyewale, the palace said the pastor had ignored repeated invitations.
“Having refused to honour invitations, the palace will not fold its arms while actions capable of causing unrest are ongoing,” the statement read.
It added that the church had been sealed indefinitely to prevent further escalation of the situation.
“We view the development as a potential trigger of religious crisis, which has never been experienced in this kingdom,” the statement added.
The controversy began after reports that a group of pastors entered the Osun-Osogbo Grove, where shrines were allegedly desecrated.
DAILY POST also reported that traditional worshippers subsequently petitioned the Osun State Police Command, calling for an investigation into the incident.
The petition was submitted at the command headquarters in Osogbo earlier in the week.
In response to the growing tension, the Osun State Government convened a meeting involving representatives of both parties to seek a resolution.
State government officials at the meeting emphasised dialogue and peaceful engagement as necessary steps towards resolving the dispute.
Videos circulating online captured moments from the grove, showing a confrontation between individuals believed to be clergy and traditional worshippers.
The footage showed that the situation was eventually brought under control following intervention by some individuals at the scene.
Another video later emerged showing a group of people, said to be traditionalists, visiting the pastor’s church in retaliation.
The individuals were seen performing rituals within the premises, further raising concerns among residents.
Osun govt, CAN, traditional ruler move to contain tensions after Osun shrine desecration
