Ikorodu Oro Festival begins amid movement restrictions, curfew

Events-Festivals

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The annual Ikorodu Oro Festival commenced on Thursday amid movement restrictions and curfew measures across parts of Ikorodu and surrounding communities in Lagos State.

The traditional festival, which will run from May 14 to May 15, is a significant Yoruba cultural event involving sacred rites and spiritual cleansing of the community.

According to a statement issued by the Ikorodu Traditional Council, residents and visitors have been advised to avoid procession routes and plan their activities carefully during the festival period.

The council explained that daytime restrictions on movement would be enforced in several parts of Ikorodu, with businesses and public activities expected to shut down temporarily in affected areas.

Locations expected to observe closure during the period include Dream Park and Gardens as well as several commercial and transit areas within the town.

Areas likely to be most affected by the restrictions include Aga, Sabo, Ota-Ona, Ajina, Itunpate, Obun-Ale, Ita-Elewa, Ijomu, Isele, Ojubode, Ojogbe, Itunmaja and Ladega.

Major roads expected to witness restrictions include Ayangburen Road, Sabo/Kokoro-Abu roads and areas around the Ikorodu Garage Roundabout.

The traditional council also identified transit hubs such as the Lowa/Etunren axis, Sabo/Allison axis and Grammar School roads as areas residents should avoid during curfew hours.

The festival features the revered Oro Magbo dance and other sacred traditional rites considered central to the cultural heritage of the Ikorodu people.

Despite restrictions within the town centre, the council stated that some neighbouring communities and outer suburbs would remain generally accessible.

These include Odogunyan, Ogijo, Ijede, Gberigbe, Agbowa and Imota.

Alternative travel routes recommended for commuters moving between Ikorodu and other parts of Lagos include the Selewu route for travellers coming from Baiyeku and the Solebo/Olu-Odo route for those travelling from Ketu and Mile 12.

The council further noted that local services and businesses within affected jurisdictions, including Ikorodu General Hospital, may experience temporary disruptions during the exercise.

Female students scheduled to write examinations during the festival were advised to carefully plan their movement and avoid restricted areas.

Authorities urged residents to remain calm, comply with directives and stay updated through local authorities for any changes or additional security advisories related to the festival activities.