The traditional ruler of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Saheed Ademola (Kusenla III), has denied rumours that the Oro cult ritual will be held on the day of the governorship and state assembly elections. The Oro Festival is a celebration that honours male descendants of a particular location. During the festival, women and non-participating people are expected to remain indoors.
In a memo to residents of Ikate-Elegushi, the monarch stated that there would be a restriction of movement to perform the Oro rite in the community from March 15 to March 17. The restriction, which is from 12 midnight to 5 am daily, is not related to the upcoming election.
Temitope Oyefeso, the special assistant on media affairs to the Ikate Kingdom’s monarch, addressed the issue. He refuted claims that the restriction of movement was part of an alleged plan to disenfranchise non-indigenes from voting on election day.
Oyefeso emphasized that the Oro ritual and the election day are unrelated, and the restriction of movement is solely to allow for the Oro rite to be performed in the community.
In a statement, Oyefeso said,
“The restriction of movement for the Oro rites in Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Eti-Osa is from Wednesday to Friday, Election Day is not included. The restriction is from 12 midnight to 5 am on each day, while residents are free to move before and after this time.
This clarification is necessary for those peddling falsehood as to the motive for the rites. The peace and progress of our land is the responsibility of all of us, and we must be aware of this responsibility.”
