Osun 2026: Traditionalists Seek Postponement of Governorship Election Over Cultural Festival

Traditional worshippers in Osun State have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the scheduled August 8, 2026 governorship election, citing a clash with the Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival.

The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State (TRWASO) raised the concern in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman. The group said the globally recognised festival, which begins on July 27 and concludes on August 7, attracts thousands of visitors annually and involves activities that cannot be rescheduled.

According to TRWASO, August 7 marks the grand finale of the festival, a day set aside for major rites and processions that often extend into the evening. The association warned that holding the election immediately after the festival could pose security challenges and complicate crowd management due to the influx of tourists and devotees.

“We respectfully request a shift in the date of the Osun governorship election to ensure public safety and peaceful conduct, given the overlap with the Osun-Osogbo Festival,” the letter signed by TRWASO President, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, and Secretary, Chief Ifasola Onifade, stated.

The group also cautioned that political actors might exploit the large gatherings during the festival to instigate unrest, stressing that safeguarding the sanctity of the festival is both a constitutional and cultural right. TRWASO cited the 2015 presidential election postponement on security grounds as a precedent for their request.

INEC had earlier fixed August 8 for voters to elect a successor to the incumbent administration in Osun State.