2026 Annual Oro Festival Begins Thursday In Oyo

By RhemDy News 

Following the approval of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Baale of Jabata, Chief Orowole Ajani, has announced that the annual Oro festival will begin on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in the ancient city. 

Chief Ajani, whose family is the custodian of the all-male Oro deity made the announcement via a viral audio note shared with RhemDy News on Wednesday.

"I am Orowole Ajani, the Baale of Jabata, Oyo Alaafin. Oro festival will commence on July 23 and will end on the 29th which is the day of curfew. Oro will head to the Palace at 5pm. This is for the notice of everyone," the traditional Chief announced.

Oro is a Yoruba sacred deity and patriarchal, revered as the god of communal justice and ancestors which is celebrated across Southwestern part of Nigeria, particularly among adherents in Oyo, Iseyin, and Ibadan, all in Oyo State.

Oro features secret nighttime processions, the use of bullroarers to produce a high-pitched whirring sound, and strict curfews.

It is a severe taboo for women and non-initiates to see the Oro deity or witness the procession which makes the early notice for women to remain indoors, especially during the curfew period.

Considering that breaking this rule is traditionally believed to have severe consequences, females are strictly warned to remain indoors during the curfew.

Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye who confirmed the schedule, also reminded female residents of the town to strictly observed the restrictions from 5 pm on the final day of the festival.

"Female residents should note that  movement restrictions placed on them will commence by 5 pm on the 29th, the last day of the festival," Durojaiye said in a short statement.