OSUN OSOGBO FESTIVAL: ITS ORIGIN, ACTIVITIES, NATURE AND RELIGIOUS AFFINITY TO THE WORLD

Abstract

The Osun Osogbo festival is an ancient and widely celebrated festival in Nigeria that dates back to the 14th century. It is an annual cultural and religious event that takes place in the town of Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria. The festival is a celebration of the river goddess, Osun, is believed to be the source of fertility, prosperity, and protection by the Yoruba people. The festival is a colourful and vibrant display of traditional customs, music, dance, and offerings to appease the deity and honour her blessings. This paper examines the key concepts such as affinity, festival, origin, river and goddess. The origin of the festival is rooted in the legend of the Osun River and the goddess who saved the people ofOsogbo from a devastating drought. The paper also addresses challenges and critiques, including poor perspectives and understanding of the Africans who described Osun Osogbo festival in the likes of fetishism, devilish and diabolical. Researcher also used related text-books of various scholars. The scope of the study was Osogbo in Osun State. Osogbo was used because of its uniqueness and enrichment in Yoruba society and Africa in particular. After deliberate research and findings, it can be said that poor orientation and negative perspective of the Africans based on their indigenous religion was totally changed for good. Indepth understanding of the Africa traditional religion really encouraged the Africans to embrace their religion like never before. The study concluded that Osun Osogbo festival is an act of acknowledging God, giving Him quality prayer, praise Him through phenomena and deities. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and enhances cultural exchange and understanding between different cultures. Overall, the festival is a beautiful and meaningful celebration that highlights the importance of tradition, community, and spirituality in the Yoruba religion and culture.