Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6052ISSN: Print 1683-8831
Abstract
Osun Osogbo cultural festival remains one of the most popular annual events in Nigeria. Lots have been said about the grove where this event takes place annually and its medical importance. However, dearth of information on medical context of tourists’ patronage of the grove makes this study appropriate. The study took place in Osogbo the hub of the festival and data was collected through questionnaire and interview guide among 105 respondents. This was complemented with observation of events within the grove. The results showed that people were aware of the grove and the festival. Visitation to the grove by the respondents outside the festival period was once in a while (54%) while only 25% visited the place during Osun traditional weekly programme. Medical factor ranked highest (58%) among the reasons for the patronage of the grove; 32% of the respondents specifically went to the grove to find solution to their fertility problem. Healing process within the grove was rated excellent (45%), very reassuring (24%) and relatively cheaper (18%) compared to any other healing sources. Accessibility (22%), affordability (19%) and closeness to respondents’ place of residence (32%) are some of the factors reported to have influenced patronage of the grove. Recommendations were offered in line with the common problems identified as confronting tourist’s patronage of the Osun Osogbo annual festival celebration.
How to cite this article:
Lawal Musediq Olufemi, Lawal Monsurat Bolaji and Adeyinka Tajudeen Yusuff. Medical Context in the Tourists Patronage of Osun Osogbo Grove, Nigeria.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/pjssci.2013.139.147
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1683-8831/pjssci.2013.139.147