The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has actually approved a modification to the movement constraints for this year’s Oro Celebration to make it possible for female candidates taking part in the Standard Education Certificate Evaluation (BECE) to finish their evaluations.
The choice was announced in a declaration issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye.
The Oro Festival, a conventional Yoruba rite observed after the death of a queen, is scheduled to happen in Oyo town from July 23 to July 29, 2026. The festival involves male-only rituals and typically enforces movement restrictions on women and non-initiates during its observance.
According to the declaration, the adjustment ended up being needed because the final day of the celebration accompanies the ongoing BECE for Basic 9 (Junior Secondary School 3) trainees.
The assessment is carried out by state Ministries of Education in addition to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO), depending upon the state.
Describing the change, the Baale of Jabata, Chief Orowale Ajani, stated female prospects affected by the traditional constraints would now be allowed to move freely till 5 p.m. on July 29 to permit them to write their evaluations.
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He noted that the extension uses particularly to female students sitting the national examination on the festival’s last day.
The choice comes in the middle of growing efforts to reduce interruptions to academic activities during standard festivals.
Earlier this month, the Lagos State Government rescheduled some Basic Education Certificate Examination papers in parts of Ikorodu Department after the statement of an Oro Festival in the location.
The state federal government said the adjustment followed consultations with pertinent stakeholders to safeguard prospects, examination officials and members of the public during the conventional observance.