Oro day: Lagos police reacts to Ikorodu monarch's order for women to sit at home tomorrow

Oro day: Lagos police reacts to Ikorodu monarch's order for women to sit at home tomorrow

The Lagos state police command has reacted to the purported order issued by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, for all women residing in the area to sit at home as the traditionalist in the area would be undergoing a traditional exercise, Oro, that must not be witnessed by women. A copy of the purported letter above.

 

In a statement released today by the spokesperson of the Lagos state police command, SP. Chike Oti, the state commissioner of police, Edgal Imohimi, says the order will not stand and that anyone that prevents the movement of women in the area will be dealt with decisively. Read the statement below

ORO DAY; THE RIGHT OF MOVEMENT OF THE  FEMALE GENDER NOT RESTRICTED .
The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to the news making the rounds on the social media  that the female gender are forbidden to be seen outside their homes or move around the town with effect from tomorrow 8/05/2018 being the day set aside as ORO DAY.
In view of the above,  the CP Lagos called for a meeting attended by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Palace Chiefs and the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy affairs Alhaji Muslim Folami.

The Oba stated during the meeting that it is unthinkable for a man with his level of exposure to do or say anything that would be seen as discriminatory against  the female gender. He however, acknowledged that the festival is an age long tradition of Ikorodu people which had been even before he was born. He added that the festival would hold without denying the female folks their right of freedom of movement. 

In his speech, the CP Lagos, stated that the Command will not tolerate any discriminatory tradition against the female gender. He warned that the Command would deal ruthlessly with anybody who hide under the guise of  custom or tradition to forment trouble in the state. He therefore enjoined women to go about their lawful business without let or hindrance. 
The meeting ended with a joint press statement assuring the people of Ikorodu that the festival would be peaceful.