Battle for Osun River: Unveiling the Toxic Truth Beneath a Sacred Heritage

Edaoto Agbeniyi, a frequent worshipper at the Osun river, has observed its alarming transformation since 2018 due to toxic metal contamination resulting from gold mining. Despite the pollution, the river remains a key cultural and religious site. Devotees urge immediate government action to clean and protect the sacred site.

Since his childhood, local musician Edaoto Agbeniyi has frequented the Osun river in the Osun-Osogbo forest, believing the waters to be pure. However, in 2018, the river, a UNESCO Heritage site cherished by the Yoruba people, began turning milky.

Investigations reveal the contamination, posing serious health risks, is linked to gold mining activities that commenced that year. Despite this, worshippers remain undeterred, as evident during the recent Osogbo annual festival.

Concern is mounting among devotees and advocacy groups, striving for urgent governmental intervention to address the hazardous pollution and preserve the river's cultural sanctity. The call to action continues as the river's sacred essence is at risk.

(With inputs from agencies.)