Osun Osogbo is a spiritual deity that can’t be stolen by anybody ― Ataoja

THE Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, on Monday said Osun Osogbo is a deity that cannot be stolen by any individual.

He described the accusation by one of the worshippers of Osun Osogbo that he connived with a past votary maid to sell Osun deity for N15 million as laughable and baseless.

He made these disclosures while addressing a press conference at his palace in Osogbo.

According to Oba Olanipekun, “the accusation by one worshipper of Osun, Layiwola Adigun that I connived with a votary maid to sell Osun Osogbo deity for N15million was false It is laughable and baseless. Osun Osogbo is the foundation and basis for my throne. How is it possible for me to sell it.”

Oba Olanipekun continued “we would go to court over this unjustified accusation. He (Olayiwola) would produce the person that he said I sold the deity of Osun to. Failure to do that would lead to his arrest any moment he steps into Osogbo.”

ALSO READ: Eminent Nigerians Explode Over Zakari

“Osun Osogbo is a spiritual deity. It is not physical. Osun is a messenger of God. It’s like if somebody claims that he had sold Jesus Christ or Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is not possible.”

“Ataoja didn’t confer the title of Osun on any worshiper. The Olosun was an appellation given to Iyanda Olayiwola, the father of Adigun Olayiwola, who was kidnapped in the days of the old Western region and he shouted Osun Osogbo save me after which he was rescued and was brought back to Osun River bank.”

While contending that his family had no record of stealing, Oba Olanipekun maintained that for Adigun Olayiwola to have alleged that I collaborated with former votary maid to sell Osun deity, he had committed the sacrilegious offence. I wouldn’t forgive him. It’s a taboo to call Oba a thief.”