The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has approved a slight adjustment to this year’s Oro Festival to allow female candidates sitting the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to write their examinations without disruption, Peak Newspaper reports.
The approval was announced in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye. According to the statement, the Oro Festival will hold in Oyo from July 23 to July 29, while the adjustment became necessary because the examination schedule coincides with the final day of the traditional festival.
The Baale of Jabata, Chief Orowale Ajani, explained that female students affected by the movement restrictions normally observed during the festival would now be allowed to move freely until 5 p.m. on July 29 to enable them to complete their examinations before the restrictions take effect.
The decision follows recent concerns over the impact of traditional festival restrictions on school activities.
Earlier this month, the Lagos State Government postponed some BECE papers in parts of Ikorodu Division after consultations with stakeholders due to the Oro Festival, citing the need to ensure the safety of candidates and examination officials.
