Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – Urgent Restoration Needed Due to Climate Change

An important shrine in the history of Òṣogbo is facing destruction.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – one of the oldest shrine in the groves (1984)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn

Standing on the river’s edge close to one of the sacred sites along its path, Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn used to be of special importance to the Atáọ́ja and his royal family. This is ‘where they carried out their rituals and from where they fetched the water to bathe each new-born child'.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – one of the sacred places along the river (1984)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Sacred sites of worship

The Ọ̀ṣun river has forty sacred sites in the dense forest through which it flows in Oshogbo territory. These 'ibú' are the sites of whirlpools, where the water eats itself into the depth of the riverbed and accumulated the magic powers embedded in the ancient rocks'.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – in need of restoratiion in 2000 (2000)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Part of the Sacred Groves close to the town

This old and sacred shrine was totally rebuilt by the New Sacred Art Movement in the early 1970s and it has always required consistent maintenance due to flooding during the rainy seasons.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn areal view (2021) by CyArkAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn, an ancient shrine now very close to the town's edge

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn (early 1970s) by Susanne Wenger and NSA artistsOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation

Climate change is taking its toll

Unfortunately, the flooding has become more severe in recent years and the shrine has fallen into complete disrepair.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn: Shrine in Need of RestorationAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

In 2019 extreme flooding created massive damage

The restoration team could not restore the Búsanyìn Shrine without a solution to prevent future flooding.

Ìyá Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – the high priestess of the shrine (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Ìyá Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – the high priestess of the shrine

This shrine is of special significance to the Atáọ́ja, the King of Òṣogbo. A place of deep spirituality, important rituals are performed here especially during the annual Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo Festival.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – CyArk technicians setting up their equipment (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Can we save Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn from future natural disaster?

The AOT/F reached out to CyArk – a USA based NGO – for heIp. The AOT/F is now working together with CyArk to build a conservation plan.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – CyArk technicians setting up their equipment (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

We are determined to find a way to protect the shrine

In 2021/22 a team from CyArk, supported by the USA Government, captured data of the damaged shrine. They were assisted by five Nigerian architects recruited by the AOT/F and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn animation (2021) by CyArk; AOT/FAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Data capture with modern technology

CyArk Animation

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Working with experts and the community

Flood engineering experts identified a solution, supported by the community of priests and devotees. A complete restoration plan has been created with the help of the USA funding.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – The Atáọ́ja at the ribbon-cutting ceremony (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Support from the spiritual leader

The Atáọ́ja, the King of Òṣogbo, shows his support for CyArk’s work and the AOT/F’s effort to find a permanent solution to the flooding and to rebuild the shrine. This photo was taken at the ribbon cutting ceremony in 2021.

Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – the shrine as seen from the river (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Now we must raise the funds to restore the shrine!

We have a solution and the New Sacred Art Movement Restoration Team is ready to start. Now we must raise the funds! 

CyArk documented "Creating the Immersive Tour of the Busanyin Shrine at the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove" which you can explore HERE

CyArk also created an immersive experience including songs and memories shared by members of the local community. Explore the CyArk Immersive Tour

Credits: Story

VIDEO AND ANIMATION
CyArk

PHOTOGRAPHS
Abiodun Omotoso
Adolphus Opara
AOT Collection
CyArk
Gerhard Merzeder
Wolfgang Denk

'Quotes' in the text are all by Susanne Wenger unless stated otherwise.

We thank the US Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation for providing the funds and CyArk working with CDR Engineering for creating the comprehensive flood mitigation plan.
Find out more about the AOT/F’s work by visiting our website  www.aot-aof.org

Your donations will support our continuing efforts to maintain and restore the works of art in the Sacred Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo Groves. Thank you.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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