A visitor to the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls in Osun State has voiced frustration over the deteriorating condition of the popular tourist site, highlighting issues such as litter, erosion, and poor maintenance.
The concerned individual urged the Osun State Government to take immediate steps to preserve and maintain the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, emphasizing its potential as a significant revenue source for the state.
Prince Isaac Fayose, who shared a video on Facebook on Monday, expressed his disappointment, saying, “Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls. What a shame. A poor state like Osun, sitting on a potential money earner, has decided to abandon this in favor of the almighty federal allocation.”
In the video, a voice was heard lamenting the situation, stating, “I am sorry to be very emotional about this. I think it is a real shame that people come here and disrespect our heritage like this. They are literally defecating on us, urinating on us. They are destroying our heritage, and we look on because we collect peanuts. I think it’s a real shame.”
In response to the growing concerns, the Osun State Government has announced plans to upgrade several tourist sites across the state, including the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls. This decision follows public outcry over the site’s current state.
Kolapo Alimi, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, revealed that the government is implementing a comprehensive upgrade after years of neglect by previous administrations. He also announced the formation of a tripartite committee, involving the government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the local community, to oversee the enhancement and management of Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls.
The government’s tourism infrastructure upgrade plan also includes improvements to other cultural sites such as the Osun Grove, Owala Inland Beach Resort in Olorunda Local Government Area, Sango Timi Shrine in Ede Local Government Area, and Ayunkunnugba Waterfalls in Oke-Ila Orangun, Ifedayo Local Government Area.
