The palace of Ozoro Kingdom has strongly condemned reported cases of violence, harassment, and intimidation against women linked to the 2026 Alue-Do festival, distancing the traditional institution from the controversy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the monarch, Anthony Ogbogbo, described the alleged mistreatment of two young women during the cultural event as deeply regrettable and contrary to the values and traditions of the kingdom and the wider Isoko nation.
The palace rejected claims circulating on social media that the acts were endorsed or tolerated by the community, insisting that such narratives were false and capable of inciting unrest while tarnishing the cultural heritage of the people.
According to the statement, Ozoro Kingdom comprises five autonomous communities with distinct traditions.
It clarified that the Alue-Do festival, observed by the Uruamudhu community on March 19, is historically a fertility rite associated with blessings for married women seeking children.
While acknowledging that the festival included symbolic cultural practices, the palace stressed that such rites must never be interpreted as justification for harassment, coercion, or any violation of personal dignity and rights.
The traditional institution warned that individuals or groups exploiting cultural gatherings to perpetrate criminal acts are acting in clear violation of both customary values and the laws of the land.
It also expressed support for ongoing investigations by security agencies, calling for those responsible for the alleged abuses to be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent.
The palace further urged members of the public and media organisations to verify information before dissemination, cautioning against the spread of unverified reports that could heighten tensions.
The controversy has drawn widespread attention after viral videos showed groups of men allegedly harassing and assaulting women during the festival, prompting outrage nationwide.
Community leaders have maintained that the festival was hijacked by hoodlums who used the occasion to commit criminal acts, rather than reflecting the true intent of the cultural practice.
Authorities have since taken action, with the Delta State Police Command confirming the arrest of multiple suspects in connection with the incident.
The state government has also condemned the development, reiterating that no cultural tradition justifies criminal behaviour.
Following the incident, the Alue-Do festival has been banned, and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe as efforts continue to ensure justice and prevent a recurrence.
