Church Sealed In Ido-Osun Over Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove Intrusion

The palace of the Olojudo Alayemore of Ido-Osun Kingdom, led by Oba Olayinka Ishola Jokotola, has ordered the immediate and indefinite sealing of the God of White Calling for All Souls Ministries Central Headquarters over alleged actions capable of triggering religious unrest in the community.

The decision follows recent controversy involving the church and some of its pastors, who were accused of entering the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove a revered cultural and spiritual site and desecrating it.

The incident led to strong reactions from traditional worshippers, who described the act as provocative and a potential threat to the longstanding religious harmony in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Eesa of Ido-Osun, High Chief Basiru Oyewale, disclosed that palace representatives had earlier visited the church to invite the pastors for questioning, but he was not met. He added that subsequent efforts to reach him have been unsuccessful.

According to the statement, the palace expressed concern that the situation, if left unchecked, could escalate into a broader religious crisis in Ido-Osun and beyond.

It emphasized that such tension is unprecedented in the kingdom and must be addressed promptly to preserve peaceful coexistence.

Consequently, the monarch directed that the church premises be sealed, while the founder was declared wanted by the palace authorities.

The palace further noted that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ido-Osun chapter, has distanced itself from Prophet Odeyemi, stating that he is not a registered member of the association.