Traditionalists call for arrest of self-acclaimed prophets over Osun grove desecration

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Traditionalists in Osun State have called for the investigation and arrest of a group of self-acclaimed prophets who invaded the Osun-Osogbo grove, describing their actions as provocative and capable of triggering a religious crisis.

The call followed a viral video showing the group, led by Prophet Odedoyin Ezekiel, conducting what they termed a “biblical cleansing” at the sacred site, where they were seen touching the shrines and casting out the river goddess and other spirits.

Reacting, the founder of the Otuagasa Foundation, Babalawo Ogundeji Elebuibon, described the act as sacrilegious and irresponsible, warning that it could strain relations between adherents of traditional religion and Christians in the state.

Elebuibon alleged that the group gained access to the grove by paying for entry before carrying out the act, which he described as an abomination.

He said, “Some white garment Christians, God of White Calling for Souls Ministries, led by one Prophet Odedoyin Ezekiel, paid their way into the Osun-Osogbo grove to perpetrate what can best be described as an abomination. The so-called religious fanatics, having obtained tickets to access the sacred grove, recorded a video of themselves purportedly casting spirits out of religious symbols within the grove.”

“This is an act of fanaticism taken too far and, if not properly addressed, could trigger a religious crisis in the peaceful town,” he added.

The traditionalist queried how the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) would react if traditional worshippers entered a church to cast out the Holy Spirit, urging the body to call its members to order, while also calling on security agencies to investigate and arrest the “overzealous religious fanatics.”

Elebuibon also cautioned that the tolerance shown by traditionalists should not be taken for granted, and charged the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, and other custodians to protect the grove as a sacred entity rather than merely a source of income.