Former Delta State Governor James Ibori has stressed the need to condemn all forms of gender-based violence.
Reacting to the Ozoro Festival incident in Delta State, Ibori pledged to collaborate with key stakeholders, including university authorities and traditional leaders, to address the matter and prevent a recurrence.
“This issue is far too serious to ignore,” he stated, noting that his intervention is informed by both the gravity of the situation and his longstanding ties to Urhobo land.
Expressing shock over the reports, he said, “I must confess that this is the first time I am hearing of a festival of this nature.”
The former governor emphasised that “every right-thinking person must condemn violence in any form, especially when the victim is a defenseless person.”
Following his verification efforts, Ibori disclosed that the traditional institution in Ozoro was inadequately consulted, saying, “Even the custodian of our tradition whose authority is required for such festivals was not consulted.”
He cautioned against ascribing the incident to entire ethnic groups, noting, “It is therefore unfair to ascribe such violence to the entire Isoko people” while describing it as “most unfortunate that the Urhobo people have also been implicated.”
Refuting claims linking cultural festivals to misconduct, Ibori explained, “This is totally untrue. Such festivals are woven around historical and spiritual motifs, anchored in an essence sustained by strong moral values.”
According to his former media manager, Sunday Areh, Ibori, while condemning the incident, he welcomed ongoing investigations, noting, “It is commendable that security agencies have now intervened to unravel what really transpired” and expressed hope that the process would confirm that there is no rape festival among Urhobo and Isoko people.