From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
There have been concerns in some quarters, particularly among the traditional worshippers, as some land grabbers were encroaching on the Osun-Osogbo grove.
According to findings, the development has put the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)-recognised heritage site, risk of being delisted as a world heritage site, unless urgent step is taken to checkmate the activities of land grabbers in the grove.
Visit to the grove showed that some people have erected buildings which were said to be owned by some individuals in the state.
Some arrears which were tagged buffer zone have been occupied with residential buildings as findings showed that some vacant lands in the grove have been sold out.
Daily Sun observed erection of a new building which was said to be a hotel at the entrance of the grove.
Workers at the hotel refused to speak with the press as residents also declined comment on the ownership of the building.
Speaking with our Correspondent, Ogundeji Elebuibon, a traditional worshipper, blamed the National Museum and Monument, as well as prominent indigenes of the town for their lackadaisical attitude to allow the ‘illegality.’
He said “The situation at the grove is very unfortunate, and one fears if the development, if not checked would not lead to the delisting of the grove as a UNESCO heritage site.
“The South entrance have been encroached completely with residential buildings springing up in the areas. And on a daily basis more areas are being cleared for new structures to emerge. Yet, government at various levels, including local, state and the federal government are just watching without taking any action,” Elebuibon said.
The Curator and Site Manager, National Museum and Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Mr Aworeni Joseph, described the situation as ‘pathetic,’ assuring that the agency was taking serious steps to check land grabbers activities in the area.
“We are not lackadaisical about it. We are aware of the development especially in the buffer zones around the grove, steps are being taken to bring those involved to book. I was personally there to inspect the development but we faced a lot of legal impediment to stop construction work ongoing at the areas,” Joseph said.