[size=14pt]2011 Osun Osogbo: Priests, Traditional Chiefs, Desert Palace, Fail To Perform Rituals[/size]

Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Thursday, recorded unprecedented development in the traditional history of the ancient town, as priests and traditional chieftains failed to perform some major annual rituals in preparation for this year’s Osun Osogbo festival.

Investigation revealed that the priests and traditional chieftains have deserted the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace and went to the residence of Araba Awo of Osogboland, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, to perform some rituals, which were supposed to be done at the palace.

Finding showed that a popular traditional ritual called Iyere, which was supposed to be performed at the family house of the Ataoja of Osogbo, was not performed by the priests and traditional chiefs.

Further investigation revealed that the priests and traditional chiefs have reportedly parted ways with the deposed Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, whose nomination and installation were nullified by two state high courts recently.

The priests and traditional chiefs, according to inside sources, are currently cautioning themselves from going against the court ruling, as performing the annual rituals at the palace for Olanipekun would amount to contempt of court.

Only Oyetunji’s wives came out to perform the Iyere ritual with heavy security operatives across the streets.

Traditionally, the Iyere ritual is always performed by the Ataoja of Osogbo, the priests, traditional chiefs and indigenes of the ancient town, who would accompany the monarch to his family house in preparation for the Osun Osogbo festival.

http://www.osunstate.gov.ng/index.php/23-editorials-editorials/137-2011-osun-osogbo-priests-traditional-chiefs-desert-palace-fail-to-perform-rituals.html