The annual ‘Oro’ festival in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is set to take place on May 16, 2024, spanning both daytime and nighttime.

This announcement was made through a letter from the Ayangburen Palace, signed by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi. PUNCH Online obtained a copy of this letter on Sunday.

Dated April 16, 2024, the letter was directed to the Medical Director of Ikorodu General Hospital. The subject of the letter was ‘Notification of Magbo (Oro) Festival 2024’ and stated:

“This is to notify you of the upcoming festival, which is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024.

“In line with 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 organization is affected as it falls within the Oro traditional jurisdiction. You are hereby advised to adhere to the traditions of the town.”

The Oro festival holds significant cultural importance within the Yoruba tradition. It is celebrated by male descendants through a daytime procession accompanied by distinctive high-pitched sounds in various parts of the community.

It is a long-standing belief that women should not be present during the ritual rites of the festival.

Attempts to reach the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, and the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, for comments on Sunday were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to calls or text messages.

Efforts to obtain further clarification from the Ikorodu Palace were also unfruitful, as calls made to the palace went unanswered.

The Oro festival remains one of the prominent traditional festivals celebrated in the Yoruba culture, emphasizing the deep-rooted customs and practices that have been preserved over generations.

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