By Oluwafunke Ishola

Some residents of Ikorodu, a suburb area of Lagos State, have called on the state government to restrict the “Oro Festival” to midnight.

They expressed concerns that the festival hinders free movement and commercial activities in the daytime.

The residents, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, raised concerns that the cultural practice infringed on the rights of residents, especially women.

Oro Festival is an annual traditional festival celebrated in Yoruba communities only by male descendants, who are paternal natives to the specific locations where the event is taking place.

During the festival, females and non-natives are directed to stay indoors as tradition forbids females to see Oro, with death being the penalty for such a violation.

NAN reports that the ‘Liwe Oro Festival’ takes place in Ikorodu Town today.

A septuagenarian, Mrs Bukunmi Taiwo, emphasised that dialogue and community engagement were required to ensure that the festival benefitted all residents without causing undue hardship or restrictions.

“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, criticised the constant shutting 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 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, noted that the constitution was the grundnorm, stressing that it should supersede every other law or norm in the society.

“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.

A gender advocate, Mrs Cecilia Oluwadarasinmi, noted that women constituted a huge population in the state and Nigeria, with over 85 per cent in the informal economy.

“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,” Oluwadarasinmi said.

She emphasised that this was critical to strengthen cohesion, economic empowerment, advance sustainable development and reduce gender stereotypes.

NAN reports that the annual Oro Festival is held twice in Ikorodu Town in May and June, with neighbouring communities such as Igbogbo, Imota, and Agbowa holding theirs in separate months.

The Oro Festival remains an important cultural tradition for many Yoruba communities. Its faithful say it is usually observed to maintain peace, blessings and cleanse society of evil. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Ekemini Ladejobi

By Joan Odafe

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has met with key international stakeholders to spotlight indigenous fashion and textiles on the global stage.

The engagement was with the Founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, Mrs Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Johnny Baxter.

The Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the ministry, Mrs Adeoti Sobowale, said that the celebration of the 15th Edition of Africa Fashion Week London was part of the discussions at the meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Africa Fashion Week London is a milestone achievement for the continent’s global fashion movement.

Benson-Awoyinka said the meeting was aimed at advancing the cultural and economic potential of Adire textiles, an iconic Yoruba fabric, as a major export and symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage.

Benson-Awoyinka said the state was committed to supporting creative platforms that empower designers, preserve cultural identity and contribute meaningfully to its economy.

The commissioner said such partnerships were vital in amplifying African narratives and positioning the state as the heartbeat of fashion and creativity on the continent.

“As the fashion and creative capital of Nigeria, Lagos remains a catalyst for innovation, style and enterprise.

“We are proud to support initiatives that promote our cultural assets and inspire the next generation of creatives,” she said.

Benson-Awoyinka said the meeting was a major step forward in promoting Adire and African fashion globally.

Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, who is the wife of the Ooni of Ife, expressed happiness in what she described as a landmark initiative.

She said there would be other collaborations for the fashion week.

Some of the collaborations include the British Museum, Disney The Lion King Africa Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University London, Winchester School of Art London and London School of Economics. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran