Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has dismissed claims linking the Ozoro incident to any traditional festival, insisting that no such practice exists in Urhobo or Isoko culture.

Reacting to the controversy, Ibori, in a statement issued yesterday, said he was shocked when he first heard reports suggesting the existence of a festival associated with violence against women.

“I must confess that this is the first time I am hearing of a festival of this nature,” he said.

The former governor, who said he has lived all his life in Urhobo land, including his eight years as governor, described the reports as misleading and dangerous.

“You can imagine my shock when I was contacted. My initial reaction was, ‘This cannot be true, but let me verify,’” he added.

Ibori noted that after making inquiries, including consultations with the traditional institution in Ozoro, findings showed that the alleged event was not authorised.

“Even the custodian of our tradition whose authority is required for such festivals was not consulted,” he said.

He warned against generalising the actions of a few individuals to entire ethnic groups.

“It is unfair to ascribe such violence to the entire Isoko people, and most unfortunate that the Urhobo people have also been implicated,” he stated.

The ex-governor also debunked claims linking the Ekene festival to acts of sexual violence.

“One commentator made a pronouncement implicating the Ekene festival in orgies. This is totally untrue,” he said.

According to him, festivals in Urhobo and Isoko communities are rooted in history, spirituality and moral values.

“Festivals among our people are celebratory and anchored on strong moral values. They are not platforms for any form of abuse,” he stressed.

While condemning the Ozoro incident, Ibori commended security agencies for stepping in to investigate the matter.

“What happened is condemnable, and it is commendable that security agencies have intervened to unravel what really transpired,” he said.

He expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would clarify the situation and put an end to what he described as false narratives.

“There is no ‘rape festival’ among Urhobo and Isoko people,” he maintained.

Ibori further disclosed plans to engage stakeholders, including the university authorities and the Ozoro traditional institution, to address youth behaviour.

“This should serve as a signal that actions that degenerate our values and cultural norms will not be tolerated,” he added. (This Day)

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