Fury over award of Osun Osogbo festival’s contracts to non-Yoruba firm

Stakeholders in Osun State have expressed dismay over an allegation that major contracts pertaining to the 2024 Osun Osogbo festival were awarded to a firm that belongs to a non-Yoruba person.

The aggrieved stakeholders alleged that some governors in South-west were fond of giving out vital contracts to non-Yoruba-owned firms for reasons unknown and that the particular case of Osun Osogbo festival contradicts the historical dignity of Yoruba race and it also sounds sacrilegious.

They, therefore called for the immediate revocation of the contract, saying that the involvement of an Igbo company undermines the festival’s authenticity and disrespects Yoruba heritage.

But while reacting on the development, Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Adebisi Olawale, said he did not know the aspect of the festival that was contracted out because there are many aspects to the festival. He said: “There was never a time when other members of ethnic groups partake in any contractual aspect of the festival.”

Also, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, described the news linking Governor Ademola Adeleke to the award of contract to a non-indigene as fake.

“Our attention has again been drawn to a fake news circulating alleging engagement of consultants for the Osun Osogbo festival by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“We seek to clarify clearly that neither the governor nor the state government is the organiser of Osun Osogbo festival.

“We urge the public to disregard the merchants of falsehood spreading lies and distorted reports about the Osun Osogbo festival.

“Those who need information on Osun Osogbo festival are directed to reach out to the Ataoja-in-Council,” he said.