OZORO/Nigeria: The Palace of Ozoro Kingdom has broken its silence over the controversy surrounding the March 19 incident in the community, firmly condemning reported acts of violence against women while distancing the kingdom from what it described as “false and inflammatory narratives” circulating on social media.
In a statement personally endorsed by the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Barr. Anthony Ovietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, the Palace expressed deep concern over reports of harassment involving two young women, describing the incident as regrettable, unacceptable and alien to the values of the Ozoro people and the wider Isoko nation.
The Palace stated that while it strongly condemns all forms of violence, harassment and intimidation against women, it also rejects claims suggesting that such acts were sanctioned or tolerated under the guise of cultural practices.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Palace firmly dissociates itself from any narrative suggesting that such reprehensible acts, including allegations of rape or widespread atrocities, were endorsed or tolerated by the Kingdom,” the statement read, warning that such claims amount to a grave misrepresentation capable of inciting unrest and damaging the community’s cultural heritage.
Providing context to the events of the day, the Palace explained that the incident coincided with the observance of the ancient Alue-Do Festival by the Uruamudhu Community, one of the five autonomous traditional communities that make up Ozoro Kingdom.
According to the Palace, the festival, traditionally associated with fertility blessings, includes symbolic and culturally contextual practices, particularly directed at married individuals without children.
However, it stressed that such rites do not, and must never, translate into harassment, coercion, abuse or any violation of personal dignity.
The Palace made it clear that individuals who exploit cultural gatherings as a cover for misconduct or criminality act in direct violation of both tradition and the laws of the land, insisting that such behaviour would not be condoned under any circumstance.
It expressed full support for security agencies investigating the incident, calling for a thorough probe and the prosecution of all those found culpable to serve as a deterrent to others.
The traditional institution also urged residents and visitors to uphold cultural practices responsibly, emphasizing that respect for human rights, public decency and the rule of law must remain paramount at all times.
While appealing for calm, the Palace called on the media and the general public to verify information before dissemination and avoid spreading unverified or sensational claims capable of heightening tensions or tarnishing the image of the community.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding both cultural heritage and human dignity, the Palace assured that steps would continue to be taken to ensure that festivals and public gatherings within the kingdom are conducted in a safe, orderly and respectful manner.
