The Ikorodu community in Lagos State has announced that this year’s Oro festival will take place on May 16, 2024, and has warned females to stay indoors during the celebration.
In a letter dated April 16, 2024, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, notified the Medical Director of the Ikorodu General Hospital of the upcoming festival and advised females to remain in their homes and avoid moving around the town during the celebration.
According to tradition, the Oro festival is a male-only event, and females are prohibited from participating or being present during the ritual rites. The festival typically features a daytime procession and high-pitched sounds across the community.
The community’s warning to females is in line with its age-old practices and beliefs. Despite efforts to reach the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and the Police Command’s spokesperson, no official reaction or clarification has been received.
“This is to notify you of the above festival, which is slated for Thursday, May 16, 2024.”
“According to tradition, all females are advised to remain in their respective homes and avoid moving around the town during the Oro festival.”
“Please note that your organisation is affected by falling within the Oro traditional jurisdictions. You are hereby advised to adhere to the traditions of the town.”, it added.
The Oro festival is a significant celebration in Yoruba tradition, and the community takes its customs and traditions seriously. The festival is expected to take place during the day and night of May 16, 2024.
