The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has called for improved security at the annual Osun-Osogbo festival.
This was as he urged the state government to renovate the Osun Osogbo Groove, adding that the government is yet to explore the tourism potential of the annual fiesta.
The OPC National Coordinator spoke on Friday at this year’s grand finale of Osun Osogbo festival.
Adams while addressing members of the organisation that participated in the grand finale during a reception organised by OPC in Osun, lamented the infiltration of the festival ground by suspected cultists and hoodlums.
He said: “It is unfortunate that cultists and miscreants have been taking advantage of the festival to create a platform for rivalry, which Osun goddess abhors and we must collectively stop the trend.
“This is an opportunity for Osun and Nigeria to attract more tourists. Osun-Osogbo (festival) is known globally and we must protect and project it to the whole world.
“But it is unfortunate that the Osun State Government is yet to explore the tourism potentials of this annual fiesta.
“I am concerned about the state of the Groove. The Groove remains an enduring facility for cultural enthusiasts and tourists that visit the venue. The Groove is our heritage and it should be preserved as such.
“I am using this opportunity to implore the Osun State government to renovate the Osun Osogbo Groove. Let the Groove wear a new look as one of the prominent tourism sites in Osun.”
Speaking earlier, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who led other dignitaries to the grove where the final rites for the festival were observed, promised to promote culture and tourism in the state.
