Social media has been flooded with outrage following disturbing videos showing women being harassed during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
The viral footage, which surfaced on Thursday, captured groups of men tearing at women’s clothes, groping them, and subjecting them to public humiliation. The scenes have triggered widespread anger, with many Nigerians questioning how such actions could be linked to culture or tradition.
Some online claims suggested the behaviour was part of the festival, alleging that participants were allowed to molest women. However, others strongly disputed this, insisting the acts were a recent deviation rather than a recognised cultural practice.
The controversy has intensified concerns about women’s safety, dignity, and the need to clearly define the limits of traditional celebrations in modern society.
Festival’s Original Meaning Explained
In response to the backlash, leaders of Ozoro Kingdom moved to clarify the origins of the event.
Berkley Asiafa, president-general, and Obaro Egware, secretary-general, said the celebration—known as the Alue-Do festival—is historically a fertility rite.
According to them, the festival is rooted in cultural beliefs tied to childbirth and is intended to bring hope to couples seeking children.
They explained that traditional activities include symbolic acts such as playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals without children, believed to invoke fertility blessings.
“The Alue-Do Festival is traditionally regarded as a festival of fertility… a cultural practice believed to bring blessings of children,” the statement noted.
Monarch Denies Abuse Claims
The king of Ozoro Kingdom has also rejected claims that sexual harassment is part of the festival.
Speaking during a visit by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the monarch said he has never witnessed such behaviour in over 20 years on the throne.
“I have never heard of girls being abused and harassed in my community in the name of a festival,” he stated.
Growing Debate
Despite the clarification, the incident has ignited a broader national conversation.
Many Nigerians are now questioning whether some cultural practices need reform, while others stress the importance of protecting women from violence regardless of context.
The debate continues as calls grow for accountability and clearer safeguards during traditional events.
