By JOSHUA OLADIPO

Osun-Osogbo devotees and groups of traditionalists on Monday paid homage to Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, during the “Ibori Ade” as part of activities for the grand finale of the festival slated for Friday.

The event held at the palace of Ataoja in Osogbo, chiefs and traditional worshippers’ devotees were in attendance with a cultural display by drummers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that “Ibori Ade”, an integral part of the Osun-Osogbo festival, is a day dedicated to honouring the deity of the land and celebrating the past rulers of Osogbo.

This significant event involves various traditional rites and sacrifices, aimed at showing appreciation and love to the Osun goddess for her enduring protection and blessings over Osogboland.

In his remarks, Oba Olanipekun said that “Ibori Ade” was an event to appease the earth goddess for fruitfulness and other spiritual help.

He called for prayers for the success of the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo festival which would be held on Friday.

Oba Olanipekun, however, advised participants to shun any form of public disturbances before, during and after the festival.

NAN reports that the Osun-Osogbo festival, whose history dates back to many centuries, is usually celebrated in a grove on the outskirt of Osogbo, the state capital.

It is among the last of the sacred forests adjoining the edges of most Yoruba cities before urbanisation.

In recognition of its global significance and cultural value, the Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

For indigenes of Osogbo, the festival symbolises traditional cleansing of the town and cultural re-union of the people with their ancestors and founders of Osogbo Kingdom. (NAN)