Reasons Why Masquerades Were Banned In Agulu, Anambra State.

Agulu people in Anaocha local government area of Anambra state has taken a bold step to abolish masquerade operation in the town.

In a statement signed by the traditional ruler of the town, HRH Igwe Innocent Obodoako and the President General of Agulu People’s Union caretaker committee, Sir Onyebuchi Okpala, the town explained the reason for the action to be a step towards ending the ills and menace perpetuated by masquerades in the town.

“We discovered that masquerades (Okpala Mmonwu) move about with short gun, Cutlass, daggers, short axe and other related dangerous weapons which is against the ethics of masquerade operation in Agulu,” it said.

“In order to checkmate the menace of the masquerade (Okpala mmonwu), Agulu People’s Union in conjunction with the Igwe Agulu in Council thereby dissolve the custom and Tradition committee led by Chief Christian Okonkwo. Also in the same vein, the Agulu People’s Union in collaboration with Igwe Agulu in Council, suspends the operation of masquerade (Okpala mmonwu) till further notice with effect from January 24, 2022” it added.

It further highlighted that anyone who default the instruction will be dealt with, stating that a fine of five hundred thousand Naira shall be imposed on any family which conducts burial/funeral with the proscribed masquerade in attendance.