Inflation: Osun-Osogbo festival records low turnout of worshippers, tourists

There was a low turnout of worshippers, adherents, and tourists over the inflation rate at the grand finale of the 2024 Osun Osogbo festival held on Friday.

Our reporter observed a low turnout of adherents, worshippers, and tourists at the Groove located in the Isale Osun area of Osogbo.

The Arugba (calabash carrier) arrived at the Groove around 11:37 am while the king with his wives arrived at the Groove around 12:30 pm.

There was a heavy security presence at the groove, nevertheless, hoodlums were seen brandishing weapons during the festival.

Speaking at the event, Governor Ademola Adeleke who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye reaffirmed the determination of his administration to reform and expand the creative sector of the state economy covering tourism, entertainment, and craft sub-sectors.

“Our Government is reforming and expanding various sectors of the economy. The creative industry is receiving special attention because of its potential as employers of labour and a booster of internally generated revenue.”

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams spelled out the roles of tradition in sustaining the cultural identity.

He said: “As custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition, it is the responsibility of the traditional rulers to sustain the cultural identity of Yoruba race. Our kings should be more traditional than political.

“In the same vein, Yoruba Obas should be more traditional than political. I am appealing to our traditional rulers across the southwest to keep the hope alive by playing their roles as custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition in their respective towns and communities.“