The Lagos State Police Command has reacted to news doing the rounds that women have forbidden to be seen outside their homes or move around Ikorodu, Lagos with effect from today, 8th May 2018.
The restriction of movement for women is said to be connected to Oro festival which traditionally forbids women from been seen while the ‘Oro’ moves around.
The spokesman of the Lagos Police Command, Chike Oti, in a statement on Monday said Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Edgal Imohimi, had called for a meeting over the news.
In attendance were the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Palace Chiefs and the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy affairs Alhaji Muslim Folami.
Oti said, “The Oba stated during the meeting that it is unthinkable for a man with his level of exposure to do or say anything that would be seen as discriminatory against the female gender.
“He however, acknowledged that the festival is an age long tradition of Ikorodu people which had been even before he was born
“He added that the festival would hold without denying the female folks their right of freedom of movement.”
The CP Lagos further stated that the Command will not tolerate any discriminatory tradition against the female gender.
He also warned that the Command would deal ruthlessly with anybody who hides under the guise of custom or tradition to foment trouble in the state.