OSUN-OSOGBO FESTIVAL: TRADITIONALISTS URGE INEC TO SHIFT OSUN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION DATE

TRADITIONALISTS URGE INEC TO SHIFT OSUN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION DATE


Traditional worshippers in Osun State have formally appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the 2026 governorship election, citing a clash with the annual Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival.

The request was made by the leadership of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State (TRWASO) in a letter dated January 20, 2026, and addressed to the INEC Chairman. The letter was signed by the association’s President, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, and its Secretary, Chief Ifasola Onifade.

According to the group, preparations for the Osun-Osogbo Festival are scheduled to begin on July 27, with the grand finale holding on Friday, August 7, 2026—just one day before the governorship election slated for Saturday, August 8.

The association explained that the festival dates were traditionally fixed in alignment with other cultural and spiritual rites and could not be altered without disrupting long-standing customs.

TRWASO described the Osun-Osogbo Festival as Nigeria’s largest crowd-pulling cultural event, attracting devotees, tourists, and visitors from across the country and abroad. The group noted that activities on the grand finale day often extend into the evening, with key rituals concluding around 6:00 pm.

The traditionalists warned that holding the governorship election immediately after the festival could pose security and logistical challenges, particularly due to movement restrictions and the large influx of visitors expected in the state.

They further expressed concern that political actors might attempt to exploit the massive crowd associated with the festival to cause unrest ahead of the election.

“It is our fundamental right to preserve the sanctity and safety of our spiritual festival,” the association stated, urging INEC to consider a new election date that would not conflict with the cultural event.

The group also recalled the postponement of Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election, which was shifted due to security concerns, arguing that similar considerations should apply in the Osun case.

Osun State is scheduled to elect a new governor on August 8, 2026. The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is expected to contest the election alongside candidates from other political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, the African Democratic Congress, and others.

INEC has yet to respond publicly to the request.

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