Join our Telegram group and receive breaking and trending news updates directly on your phone.
Join for News Updates ✕
By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Kogi Central Think Tank Forum (KCTTF) has recommended far-reaching reforms, including a ₦500,000 registration and outing permit fee, to address what it describes as the growing menace of indiscriminate daytime masquerade appearances across Egbiraland in Kogi Central.
The recommendation is contained in a 12-statement issued by a committee constituted by the Forum to examine the proliferation of masquerade outings and their social implications and give recommendations.
A copy of the document obtained by our correspondent in Lokoja on Tuesday outlined comprehensive regulatory, cultural and economic measures aimed at restoring dignity and order to Egbira cultural practices.
At the heart of the proposal is a total prohibition of unregulated masquerade outings.
The committee recommended that any violation should attract appropriate sanctions, including possible bans or three years imprisonment.
It also called for the establishment of a recognized cultural authority or supervisory body to regulate all Egbira cultural expressions and ensure compliance with laid-down guidelines.
Under the proposed framework, all masquerade custodians and performers must belong to legally recognized cultural associations within their districts.
Custodians, the committee further recommended should be at least 35 years, have reputable character, married, and possess a legitimate source of livelihood such as farming, tailoring, driving or other lawful means of income.
In addition, each principal custodian would be limited to operating not more than two Ivoyis, with a three-year ban recommended for proven violations.
The committee further stressed that masquerades must not assault or harass citizens, carry charms, firearms or dangerous weapons, or engage in actions capable of provoking religious crises, communal tension or public disorder.
Daytime outings, it noted, have increasingly resulted in harassment of pedestrians, obstruction of traffic, disruption of academic and economic activities, and threats to public safety.
It also proposed that masquerades be strictly prohibited from entering markets, motor parks, mosques, churches, hospitals, schools, office premises and other sensitive public institutions.
To ensure swift enforcement, the committee recommended the inauguration of traditional mobile courts to promptly try offenders who breach cultural regulations.
Beyond regulation, the committee advocated a tourism-driven cultural rebranding of Egbiraland.
It argued that the rich cultural heritage and scenic landscape of the area could be repositioned as viable tourism assets capable of generating employment, promoting unity, stimulating local arts and crafts, strengthening environmental consciousness and boosting internally generated revenue.
To achieve this, the committee proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the development of a Cultural Tourism Stadium where regulated performances such as Ekumodu, Eku-Oba, Arigede, Osamakuru, Ozomeche, Ogugu, Ikede, Echori, Eku Irahu cultural dance competitions, Itinochi and other traditional displays could be showcased in an organized and secure environment.
Structured scheduling and gate fees, it noted, would enhance orderliness while generating sustainable revenue.
In the recommendations signed by the committee chairman, Daudu A.K. Bello, the committee emphasized that in many African societies, including Egbiraland, masquerades are revered as spiritual and ancestral symbols that preserve heritage, entertain communities and promote unity.
“From the Anebira perspective, culture (isa ozi-ete) represents a comprehensive way of life encompassing customs, beliefs, language, moral values, music, art and traditional institutions passed down through generations.
“Historically, masquerades appeared during significant festivals such as Eche-Ozi-Ete, particularly after harvest, to honour ancestors and celebrate communal achievements. However, the Forum lamented that recent developments have distorted these noble objectives.
“No ethnic group exists without culture and tradition,” the document stated. But the indiscriminate outing of masquerades, harassment of citizens, vulgar displays and weaponization of cultural expressions are clear departures from the original goals of unity, entertainment and moral instruction,” the committee said.
It therefore urged political leaders and public office holders to support, rather than frustrate, ongoing cultural reforms, insisting that decisive action is necessary to restore respect, safety and the true essence of Egbira cultural heritage.
