Alaafin relaxes Oro movement restriction for female students sitting BECE

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has announced a temporary adjustment to the traditional Oro Festival's restrictions to accommodate female students participating in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The Oro Festival, a significant patriarchal Yoruba practice observed to appease deities and cleanse communities, typically involves male-only rituals and imposes strict curfews where women and non-initiates must remain indoors.

This year's festival is scheduled to take place in Oyo city from July 23 to July 29, 2026. The modification became necessary as the BECE for Junior Secondary School 3 students coincides with the latter days of the traditional observance. The examination is administered by state Ministries of Education, the West African Examinations Council, or the National Examinations Council, depending on the region.

Bode Durojaiye, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, stated that the adjustment ensures female candidates can complete their examinations. Specifically, on the festival's final day, July 29, the movement restriction for female students has been extended until 5 p.m. This allows concerned pupils to write their national examinations without disruption.

This decision follows a similar instance in Lagos State, where the government postponed BECE papers in parts of Ikorodu Division due to the declaration of the Oro Festival. The postponement was approved after consultations with stakeholders to ensure the safety of candidates and examination officials during the traditional festival.

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The 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 p.m. to enable concerned pupils write the national examinations.