“Ozoro festival is not a rape festival” — Man explains origin and what it represents

A man from Delta State has shared his perspective on the Ozoro festival, following the reactions and reports circulating online.

According to him, the festival is not originally what it is being described as on social media. He said the name associated with it came from an incident that happened during a past edition, not the actual purpose of the festival.

He explained that the festival is not held regularly, but takes place at long intervals, sometimes between 10 to 15 years.

The man added that the tradition is meant for women who have not given birth within a certain period, and that participants are expected to stay indoors during the festival.

He further stated that in the past, anyone found outside during that period would be disciplined, which could include being flogged or having their clothes torn before being sent back home.He said there are cultural rules and consequences guiding how the festival was carried out.

He suggested that over time, due to changes in the community and the presence of people unfamiliar with the tradition, the practice may have been misinterpreted or misused.

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