By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
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It was celebration galore at this year edition of Osun – Osogbo Festival as people especially women in their large number came out to fetch waters.
Osun – Osogbo worshippers at the weekend thronged the groove for the grand finale of the Osogbo festival where people mostly women came to appreciate the gods of the River for miraculous exploit.
Our correspondent who witnessed the celebration saw many women bringing newly born babies to appreciate the River god whom they claimed was responsible for the gift of their children
The devotees in their numbers were sighted fetching the water into Jerry Cans just as they were seen drinking the water on their way out of the grove.
The worshippers and other devotees, believe that the water is endowed with spiritual powers just as they believe there is nothing the water could not do because of its sacred powers.
Recall that government on Thursday had advised tourists and devotees to the grand finale of the festival to refrain from drinking the water because of contamination.
The Commissioner for Health, Rafiu Isamotu, gave the advice in an interview with Journalists.
Isamotu said public health officials would be at the grove during the festival to further sensitise people on the dangers of drinking the water.
During the festival, tourists, visitors and devotees usually drink from the Osun River for its perceived divine healing properties while some take the water home to bathe with.