Women free on Ikorodu’s Oro Day, says Lagos Police boss

The Lagos State Police Command, on Monday, said women’s  rights of movement  in Lagos State, will not be restricted on Tuesday  by the traditional Oro Festival in Ikorodu, east of Lagos.
The Commissioner of police , Imohimi Edgal, made the clarification in a statement signed by the spokesman of the command, SP Chike Oti.
Edgal said that the clarification  became necessary in view of the news making the rounds on the social media that women  are forbidden from coming out of  their homes on Tuesday May 8,  being the day set aside as ORO DAY in Ikorodu.
He said that the Command will not tolerate any discriminatory tradition against the female gender, warning that the police would deal ruthlessly with anybody who hide under the guise of custom or tradition to foment trouble in the state.
He, therefore, enjoined women to go about their lawful business without any hindrance.
The police boss said that 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 was held on Monday in his office.
“The Oba said 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 existing  even before he was born.
“He added that the festival would hold without denying the female folks their right of freedom of movement. He assured that the festival would be peaceful ,” the statement quoted the Oba as saying.