Some residents of Ikorodu, a suburban area in Lagos State, have appealed to the state government to restrict the Oro festival to midnight hours, citing its impact on free movement and commercial activities during the day.
Speaking with Newsmen on Thursday, the residents voiced concern that the cultural practice infringes upon citizens’ rights, particularly those of women.
The Oro festival is an annual traditional celebration observed in Yoruba communities, involving only male descendants who are paternally native to the location. During the event, females and non-indigenes are mandated to remain indoors, as tradition forbids women from seeing Oro, with severe traditional consequences for violations.
Also Read: Nigerian Government to Unveil Revised Tourism, Culture Policies
The ‘Liwe Oro’ festival is being held in Ikorodu Town today.
A septuagenarian, Mrs Bukunmi Taiwo, emphasised the need for dialogue and community engagement to ensure the festival is inclusive and does not impose undue hardship.
“The world is changing. Our beliefs and practices must also adjust to fit into the changes, so that we can develop cohesion.
Many people are struggling to survive because of the economic situation of the country. Many are petty traders, who rely on their daily trading activities to feed their families.
The imposition of curfew during the Oro festival places a huge burden on many families. I have lived in Ikorodu for over 40 years and witnessed the pain and struggle of families for sustenance during the festival.
I appeal that the Oro adherents consider restricting their activities to midnight, so that residents can move freely to perform their daily activities.
We prayed for peace and development of Ikorodu Town, now that we are witnessing it, we should promote it,” she said.
Obinna Nweze, a trader at Ladega market, condemned the repeated closure of markets in the town.
“It is becoming frustrating to live and trade in Ikorodu. This year, the market has been shut more than five times twice for the Oro festival; Kabiyesi celebration; Iya Oloja programme or because someone died.
You dare not open your store because miscreants may take advantage to harass and loot shops.
Seriously, this is not helping the economic and emotional state of many people. We are struggling to survive,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Mustafa Mohammed, a legal practitioner, highlighted the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution.
“We are all entitled to human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These include the right to live and move freely.
However, it is unacceptable that women and girls in Ikorodu still face discrimination based on their gender.
The government must intervene to ensure that no cultural or religious practices infringe on the rights of residents to move freely and earn a living,” he said.
Mrs Cecilia Oluwadarasinmi, a gender advocate, noted that women constitute a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, with over 85 per cent engaged in the informal sector.
“Although the Oro festival coincides with the June 12 celebration, which is a public holiday nationwide, the contention is the curfew imposed by the festival on residents, especially women and girls.
Remember that the last Magbo Oro festival held last month in the town was on May 27, Children’s Day, denying many children, especially girls, the opportunity and joy of celebrating publicly.
We understand the need to preserve and celebrate our culture, however, it should be done such that it doesn’t affect the larger population,” she said.
She further emphasised that inclusivity in cultural practices is essential to strengthening social cohesion, enhancing economic empowerment, promoting sustainable development, and reducing gender-based stereotypes.
The Oro festival is held twice annually in Ikorodu, in May and June, with neighbouring towns such as Igbogbo, Imota, and Agbowa celebrating theirs in separate months.
Despite public criticism, the Oro festival remains a deeply valued tradition in many Yoruba communities. Devotees say it is a time for purification, peace, and blessings for society.
