Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, also known as the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, is a sacred grove located on the banks of the Osun River, just outside the city of Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove dates back several centuries and is one of the last of the sacred woodlands that previously surrounded most Yoruba communities before heavy urbanization. The Sacred Grove was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 in recognition of its global significance and cultural worth.

The Osun-Osogbo Forest was desecrated in the 1950s when shrines were neglected and priests abandoned the grove as traditional responsibilities and sanctions lessened. Prohibited activities such as fishing, hunting, and tree felling occurred in the Grove until an Austrian, Susanne Wenger, assisted in restoring traditional protections.

Wenger formed the New Sacred Art movement to challenge land speculators, repel poachers, protect shrines, and begin the long process of bringing the sacred place back to life by reestablishing it as the sacred heart of Osogbo with the encouragement of the Ataoja and the support of the local people. Wenger was eventually given the title Adunni Olorisha in recognition of her custodial work and consistent devotion to the gods of the grove.

Location: Osogbo, Nigeria