The Federal University Oye-Ekiti has issued an urgent directive advising all female staff and students on the Ikole campus to remain indoors from 7th to 9th August 2024 due to the Oro festival scheduled to be held in the Ikole-Ekiti community.

According to a statement from the registrar’s office dated August 6, the measure is intended to ensure the safety of the university’s female members during this traditional event.

In a memo signed by Senior Assistant Registrar Ibukunoluwa O. Alamu, the university stressed the need for this precaution due to the “Oro” festival.

The notice was titled, “Notice to All Female Staff and Students on Ikole Campus.”

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The memo read: “This is to inform all female staff and students on the Ikole campus of the University that they are requested to stay indoors between Wednesday, 7th August, and Friday, 9th August 2024 due to the ‘Oro’ festival scheduled to hold within the Ikole-Ekiti community. This is for your kind noting.”

The Oro festival, typically characterised by the presence of masked men and restrictions on movement for women, is an indigenous cultural practice observed in various Yoruba communities.

The notice aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all female members of the university community during this period.

The university urges all affected individuals to comply with this directive and remain indoors for the duration of the festival.

PUNCH