Isoko festival : No rape festival in Isoko, Urhobo – Ibori

2026-03-24 - 13:34

Condemns sexual molestation of females By Jimitota Onoyume Former governor of Delta state. Chief James Ibori has said that there is no rape festival in Isoko and Urhobo traditional practices . Speaking against the backdrop of the Aluedo festival in Uruamudhu quarters , Ozoro kingdom in Isoko north local government last week when some females were sexually harassed and molested Ibori said traditional festivals in these ethnic nationalities were often woven around spiritual values and gains. ” This is totally untrue. Festivals among Urhobo and Isoko people, apart from being celebratory, are woven around historical and spiritual motifs. They memorialize past events, reinforce belief systems, and are typically anchored in an essence sustained by strong moral values.”, he said. The former governor further condemned the ugly actions of the youths during the festival just as he commended the police and other security operatives for their timely intervention to restore normalcy. “What happened is condemnable, and it is commendable that security agencies have now intervened to unravel what really transpired. It is my hope that this investigation will set the record straight: there is no “rape festival” among Urhobo and Isoko people.”, he said. He also promised to work with the Vice Chancellor of the Southern Delta university in Ozoro kingdom and the traditional leadership of the area to productively engage the youths towards more positive ventures. “Furthermore, I will work with the VC of the University and the Ozoro traditional institution to engage the youth so that this serves as a clear signal that actions that degenerate our values, our cultural norms and the role of women in our society will not be tolerated “, he said .