His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, has approved a slight modification to this year’s Oro Festival in Oyo town to allow Junior Secondary School students write their national examinations.
The festival is scheduled to hold from 23rd to 29th of this month.
In a release signed by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the palace said the adjustment became necessary due to the Basic Education Certificate Examination, BECE, for Junior Secondary School 3 students.
“The modification is sequel to the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for Junior Secondary School 3 (Basic 9) students required to transition to Senior Secondary School, which coincides with the festival,” the statement said.
The BECE is administered by State Ministries of Education, the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, or the National Examinations Council, NECO, depending on the region.
Announcing the new development, the Baale of Jabata, Pa Chief Orowole Ajani, said the change affects female residents on the final day of the rites.
“Female students should note that restrictions of movement placed on them on the last day of the festival which is 29th of this month, has been shifted till 5 pm, to enable concerned pupils write the national examinations,” Pa Ajani stated.
The Oro Festival is a deeply secretive, patriarchal Yoruba traditional celebration observed in Oyo and other Yoruba towns.
Traditional authorities in Oyo Kingdom urged residents, especially parents and guardians of BECE candidates, to take note of the adjustment and cooperate with palace directives for a peaceful observance of the festival.
