In the wake of a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage across social media and human rights circles, the Palace of Ozoro Kingdom has issued a strong and unequivocal condemnation of violence, harassment, and intimidation against women allegedly carried out during a recent cultural celebration in Delta State.
The statement, personally endorsed by His Royal Majesty Bar. Anthony Ovietoboro (Ogbogbo Ibuka I), the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, seeks to set the record straight regarding the controversial events that reportedly occurred on Thursday, March 19, 2026, during activities associated with the ancient Alue-Do Festival in the Uruamudhu community.
The Palace described the alleged harassment of two young women during the cultural festivities as deeply regrettable and completely unacceptable, stressing that such acts are inconsistent with the values, traditions, and moral foundations of the Ozoro people and the wider Isoko nation.
According to the statement, the royal institution strongly rejects narratives circulating online suggesting that the Kingdom sanctioned, endorsed, or tolerated acts of violence or sexual misconduct during the festival. The Palace warned that such claims amount to dangerous misinformation capable of inflaming tensions and unfairly tarnishing the centuries-old cultural heritage of the people of Ozoro.
The royal statement explained that Ozoro Kingdom is made up of five autonomous traditional communities, each possessing distinct customs and festivals rooted in ancestral heritage. On the date in question, the Uruamudhu community was observing the revered Alue-Do Festival, a traditional cultural celebration historically associated with fertility blessings.
While the festival includes symbolic cultural expressions and playful gestures directed toward married individuals without children—an element rooted in ancient fertility rites—the Palace clarified that these practices were never intended to encourage harassment, coercion, abuse, or any violation of personal dignity.
The Palace emphasized that any individuals who exploit cultural gatherings as an opportunity to perpetrate misconduct, lawlessness, or criminal behavior stand in direct violation of both the cultural ethos of the kingdom and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Palace unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, harassment, and intimidation against women under any circumstance,” the statement declared.
In a decisive move aimed at ensuring accountability, the traditional institution expressed full support for security and law enforcement agencies currently investigating the incident. The Palace urged authorities to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for the alleged acts.
According to the monarch, the perpetrators must face the full weight of the law as a deterrent to others who may attempt to use cultural festivals as cover for criminal behavior.
The Palace also appealed to citizens, visitors, and festival participants to respect and uphold cultural traditions responsibly while adhering strictly to the rule of law, public decency, and fundamental human rights.
Observers note that the statement appears to be a deliberate effort by the royal institution to protect both the dignity of women and the integrity of cultural traditions in the face of growing public scrutiny.
Beyond condemning the alleged misconduct, the Palace also called on members of the public and the media to exercise caution in the dissemination of information, warning against the spread of unverified or sensational claims capable of escalating tensions or damaging the reputation of the community.
The Palace reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the dignity of all persons, preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ozoro Kingdom, and ensuring that all festivals and public gatherings within the kingdom are conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and respectful manner.
The development comes amid increasing national conversations about the intersection between cultural traditions and human rights protections in Nigeria, particularly in relation to women’s safety during large cultural events.
For many observers, the swift response from the Ozoro Palace signals a clear attempt to reassure the public that the kingdom does not condone abuse under the guise of cultural practices and remains committed to justice and accountability.
As investigations continue, stakeholders across Delta State and beyond are watching closely to see how law enforcement agencies handle the case and whether those responsible for the alleged harassment will be brought to justice.
Source: Ozoro Kingdom Palace Press Statement
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Author:
Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd.
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