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By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh in Okene.
The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has lifted the ban on masquerade performances during the Echane Festival in Ebiraland but called for a balanced approach to safeguard cultural heritage and public safety.
Speaking at the Ohinoyi Palace in Okene during a meeting with traditional rulers and community leaders, Governor Ododo acknowledged the deep cultural significance of the Echane Festival to the Ebira people.
He, however, emphasized the need to curb the excesses that, in previous years, turned the celebrations into violent confrontations.
“The Echane Festival is an essential expression of Ebira identity and tradition,but its continuity depends on our collective commitment to peace, order, and respect for cultural values,”the governor stressed.
Our correspondent recalls that the festival was suspended due to escalating violence and disruptions attributed to masquerade-related activities.
Governor Ododo stressed that its revival must be anchored on strict compliance with traditional norms and newly established safety measures.
He tasked traditional leaders with formulating clear guidelines to ensure a peaceful and meaningful celebration but , however ,warned that anyone found culpable in past violent incidents would be held accountable under the law.
In response, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Muhammed Tijani Ahmed Anaje, commended the governor’s consultative approach and reaffirmed the traditional council’s readiness to support a peaceful reintroduction of the festival.
The Royal father noted that the earlier suspension was necessary to restore discipline and adherence to ancestral customs.
With the ban now lifted, collaboration between the state government and traditional institutions is set to ensure that the Echane Festival reclaims its place as a symbol of Ebira pride, celebrated in peace and dignity.
(C) YNaija.
According to history,Echane, refers to a deeply rooted traditional and religious institution in Egbiraland which plays a vital role in the spiritual and cultural life of the Egbira people.
It is closely tied to ancestral worship and local deities, serving as a sacred bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realm.
Guided by respected elders or priests, Echane offers spiritual guidance, resolves communal disputes, and upholds societal norms through various rituals, songs, and festivals.
The institution,banned some years back because of negative attitude reflected in its celebration, is particularly revered during times of crisis,such as droughts, epidemics, or conflict,when its leaders are usually called upon to perform cleansing rites and restore balance within the community.
In addition to its spiritual functions, Echane contributes significantly to traditional governance and social cohesion.
Its ceremonies and teachings reinforce community values, moral conduct, and respect for elders, while also preserving the oral history and cultural identity of the Egbira people
The institution’s rituals, including symbolic performances and communal celebrations, help to maintain harmony and ensure intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Echane is not just a religious system, it is a cornerstone of Egbira civilization that unifies the people under shared beliefs and customs.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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