The leadership of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged invasion and desecration of a shrine at the Osun-Osogbo Grove by some Christian clerics.
The group, in a petition submitted to the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo late Monday, urged authorities to probe the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The development comes amid rising tension following reports that some pastors reportedly entered the sacred grove and tampered with one of its shrines.
To calm the situation, the Osun State Government on Tuesday convened a meeting involving representatives of the traditional worshippers and the church linked to the incident.
The controversy gained traction after videos circulated online showing a confrontation between the clerics and traditionalists at the grove.
In one of the clips, a man clad in white, believed to be among the pastors, was seen addressing others while making gestures near a shrine and declaring the supremacy of Jesus Christ.
The situation escalated when more traditional worshippers arrived, leading to a heated exchange between both parties before the clerics eventually exited the grove following intervention by a traditionalist who cautioned against violence.
In a related development, another video surfaced showing individuals claiming to be traditionalists invading a church allegedly connected to the cleric involved in the shrine incident.
The intruders, some of whom masked their identities, were seen performing rituals, including the killing of a dog, within the church premises.
They reportedly described the act as a response to the earlier incident at the grove, while members of the church looked on.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, the President of the association, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged with the police, calling for an investigation into the matter.
He, however, declined to comment on the reported reprisal at the church.
Atanda also disclosed that the state government, through the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Rasheed Aderibigbe, held a meeting with stakeholders, including leaders of the association, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and representatives of the church involved.
According to him, the meeting provided an opportunity for all parties to present their positions, while the government assured them of measures to address the situation and prevent further escalation.
“We have taken a lawful approach by submitting a petition to the police.
The CAN leadership has also assured us that our concerns will be reviewed,” he said.
Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Osun State Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed receipt of the petition, assuring that it would be handled appropriately.