NEWS
RELIGIOUS TENSION IN OSUN: CAN INVITES PASTOR OVER ALLEGED SHRINE DESECRATION AS MONARCH ORDERS CHURCH SEALED, STAKEHOLDERS MOVE TO PREVENT ESCALATION
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun State chapter, has summoned Pastor Ezekiel, a cleric presiding over a church in Ido-Osun, following allegations that he led a group to invade the revered Osun-Osogbo Grove, where shrines were reportedly desecrated.
The Chairman of Osun CAN, Pastor John Adeleke, confirmed the invitation during a media interaction on Wednesday, stating that the association had taken steps to address the situation but had yet to receive any response from the pastor. He explained that efforts were ongoing to douse rising tension and prevent any breakdown of religious harmony in the state.
According to Adeleke, Pastor Ezekiel neither informed nor sought approval from CAN before embarking on the controversial visit to the grove. He emphasized that the association strongly dissociates itself from the alleged actions and is committed to maintaining peaceful coexistence among religious groups in Osun State. He also appealed to all parties involved to remain calm and law-abiding while dialogue and reconciliation efforts continue.
Amid the growing controversy, the traditional authority in Ido-Osun has taken decisive action. The palace of the Olojudo Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Jokotola, ordered the immediate and indefinite sealing of Pastor Ezekiel’s church, citing concerns over potential religious unrest in the community.
In a statement issued by Chief Basiru Oyewale, the Eesa of Ido-Osun, the palace expressed displeasure over the pastor’s failure to honour invitations extended to him. The statement warned that the alleged actions could trigger a religious crisis in a kingdom historically known for peaceful coexistence among Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers. The monarch’s directive to seal the church was described as a preventive measure to safeguard peace and stability in the area.
The situation has also attracted the attention of traditional religious practitioners. The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State has submitted a formal petition to the Osun State Police Command, calling for a thorough investigation into the reported invasion of the grove and the alleged desecration of sacred shrines. The petition was reportedly lodged at the command headquarters in Osogbo earlier in the week.
In response to the escalating tension, the Osun State Government has intervened by convening a meeting involving representatives of both the traditional worshippers and the church linked to the incident. The move is part of broader efforts to de-escalate the crisis and restore calm.
The controversy stems from a widely circulated video on social media showing a group of Christian clerics entering the Osun-Osogbo Grove, engaging in what appeared to be religious proclamations within the sacred site. The footage captured moments of confrontation between the clerics and traditional worshippers, which nearly degenerated into violence before intervention by community members.
Further developments deepened concerns after another video surfaced, allegedly showing individuals identified as traditionalists storming the pastor’s church in Ido-Osun in apparent retaliation. The group was seen performing ritual acts within the premises, an incident that has heightened fears of a potential cycle of reprisals if not urgently addressed.
As tensions simmer, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and government officials continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and mutual respect among all faith groups to preserve the longstanding peace in Osun State.