Devotees of the Osun Deity ignore government warnings, drink contaminated water

Devotees of the Osun Deity have been spotted in a video drinking water from the Osun River despite its dirty colour.

The Osun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, had earlier warned against drinking from the river.

According to Isamotu, the warning became necessary because of the activities of artisanal miners who had contaminated the water.

Isamotu also told newsmen that public health officials would be at the grove during the festival to further sensitise people on the danger of drinking the water.

However, despite the warning, the devotees, tourists and other participants of the annual Osun Osogbo Festival were seen drinking from the Osun River on Friday.

The devotees, along with visitors who came from several states, were dressed in their white attires and beads, and danced to traditional songs.

Videos shared online showed them stooping to scoop from the river to drink.