Open Defecation, Smokers, Cause Of Incessant Fire In Osun-Osogbo Groove – Curator

By Yusuf Oketola

The Curator/Site Manager of Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, Mr. Fatai Adekunle, has explained why there is incessant fire outbreak at the grove.

According to Adekunle, the constant fire incident at the grove is not unconnected to open defecation by some people who always smoke cigarettes and Marijuana (Indian Hemp) while defecating in the grove.

Adekunle stated that after smoking, the people do throw the stubs on the ground, making the grass and leaves to catch fire.

The curator made this known in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun.

He noted that some of the challenges facing the grove include diversion of the road bisecting it, security, pollution of the Osun River, developmental pressure – buildings springing up around the buffer zone, saying that many unknown people do move around in the name of traditional devotees.

According to him, miscreants called ‘Area Boys’ also hide in the grove to smoke Cannabis Sativa (India Hemp).

Adekunle also commended the administration of the former Governor of State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his efforts towards the development of Osun, Osogbo by supporting them both morally and financially.

He stated that the grove should be promoted more than the way it is now, adding that if well maintained, more tourists will patronise the place.

The curator said 867 visitors had visited the grove in the first quarter of 2021 and it generates an average of N70,000 yearly.

He further called on the Federal, State and Local governments to pay more attention to funding the place by renovating all the deteriorating sculptures and structures and also by making provision for relaxation centres at different places in the grove for tourists.