LAGOS, Nigeria – The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, has officially announced that this year’s Oro festival will be held on May 16, 2024, encompassing both daytime and nighttime activities.
This traditional event, which plays a significant role in the cultural life of Ikorodu, Lagos State, is known for its sacred ceremonies and restrictions, particularly concerning the movement of women in the area during the festivities.
A letter dated April 16, 2024, and addressed to the Medical Director of the Ikorodu General Hospital, was made public by Punch Online, highlighting the festival’s schedule and guidelines.
The letter specifically advises that “all females are advised to remain in their respective homes and avoid moving around the town during the Oro festival,” citing the need for adherence to local traditions.
The Oro festival is a male-only event that features a daytime procession through the community, accompanied by high-pitched sounds that are characteristic of the festival’s rituals.
The tradition stipulates that women must not be present during these rites, a practice that has been observed for generations in the Yoruba culture.
Attempts to gain further comments or clarifications from local authorities and the Ikorodu Palace have so far been unsuccessful.
Both the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, and the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, were unreachable for comments on the matter.
