Legal practitioner, Festus Ogun, has voiced strong opposition to the perceived misuse of the Oro Festival by political authorities.
Ogun’s critique comes amid growing concerns that the ancient Yoruba tradition is being weaponized to serve political ends, undermining the sanctity of Nigeria’s traditional institutions.
“The APC regime has bastardized our traditional institutions,” Ogun remarked pointedly, decrying the transformation of the Oro cult into what he describes as a “political tool in the hands of the authorities.”
His comments reflect a deep disillusionment with the current state of affairs, as the Oro Festival, typically a sacred and culturally significant event, is now seen by some as a means to exert control and influence.
Ogun emphasized that the rituals associated with the Oro Festival cannot and should not infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens.
“Oro ritual cannot restrict or encroach on citizens’ right to freedom of movement, personal liberty, or dignity of human person guaranteed under the constitution,” he asserted. This stance underscores the legal principle that traditional practices, no matter how revered, must conform to the overarching framework of human rights and freedoms enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
Furthermore, Ogun warned that any iteration of the Oro Festival that seeks to undermine civic responsibilities or disrupt societal order will inevitably fail the repugnancy test—a legal doctrine that ensures laws and customs do not contravene established principles of justice and public policy.
In a rallying call to civic-minded individuals, Ogun urged serious protesters and advocates for justice not to be swayed or intimidated by the misuse of traditional rites.
“A serious protester should not be moved by this,” he stated, encouraging resilience and steadfastness in the face of attempts to curtail lawful expressions of dissent and civil rights.
