The Aare Onakankafo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, says he believes that the Osun goddess would protect those who drank the contaminated water during the festival.

“I believe by the power of Osun, anybody that drank the contaminated  water will not be affected,” he said on the sidelines of the grand finale of the Osun- festival on Saturday.

He also appealed to the Osun government to protect the Osun river from the illegal activities of artisanal miners.

“These artisanal miners are contaminating our heritage and this is dangerous, highly ridiculous and a threat to our tourism and cultural potential,” the Yoruba leader said.

On Thursday, the Osun State government  advised tourists and devotees to the grand finale of the festival to refrain from drinking the water because it has been contaminated by the activities of artisanal miners.

But in spite of the government’s warning, many devotees and visitors were sighted on Friday defying the warning.

Meanwhile, Mr Adams called for the promotion of Yoruba culture.

“We must continue to promote our culture  because if we refuse to promote our culture, we will lose our identity and history.

“By promoting our culture, there will be cohesion and unity,” he said.

Mr Adams, who described Osun Osogbo festival as one of the oldest in Yorubaland, said it was one of the ways to promote the rich culture of the Yoruba.

“Osun Osogbo festival is not about religion but rather it is about promoting Yoruba culture,” he said.

(NAN)