The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State has blamed the alleged sexual violence against women during a recent cultural festival in the community on some youths who misinterpreted and misapplied their cultural practice ‘in a negative and unacceptable manner’.
Last Thursday, Uruamudhu community celebrated its ancient Alue-Do festival, and reports of sexual molestation of women hit the internet and went viral, sparking anger.
The state police command said that it has arrested a community head and four other suspects over the incident.
In a statement on Friday, the President General of the Ozoro Kingdom, Chief Berkley Asiafa; and the Secretary General, Prince Obaro Egware explained that the kingdom is made up of five traditional communities, each with its distinct customs, traditions, and festivals.
The statement further read: ‘The Alue-Do festival is traditionally regarded as a festival of fertility. It is widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth. As part of this long-standing tradition, certain symbolic practices are observed, including the act of playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals who are yet to have children, as a cultural expression believed to invoke fertility.
‘However, it has come to our attention that some youths misinterpreted and misapplied this cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women.
‘We wish to clearly state that reports circulating on social media alleging that rape and widespread atrocities occurred during the festival are false and misleading. No incidents of rape were recorded. The situation involved the harassment of two young women by individuals who took advantage of the occasion to act irresponsibly. The leadership of the Ozoro Kingdom immediately contacted the security agencies, who brought the situation under control and are conducting their investigations.
‘The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom strongly condemns any form of harassment or misconduct. Such behaviour is not part of our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated. Appropriate steps are being taken to address the actions of those involved and to ensure that future celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, respectful and orderly manner.
‘We urge the public to disregard false reports and refrain from spreading misinformation that may tarnish the image of our cherished cultural heritage’.
