Abuja: A culture and tradition enthusiast, Mr. Okon Offiong, has appealed to the Akwa Ibom government to suspend its ban on the Ekpo masquerade practice, stating that the prohibition would strip the upcoming yuletide of its cultural significance. Offiong made this appeal in a statement he signed, emphasizing the deep emotional connection people have with this cultural practice and the importance of sustaining it.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom recently issued a directive banning the Ekpo masquerade practice in the state. Offiong expressed concern over the widespread discontent the directive has sparked among cultural custodians, traditionalists, and heritage enthusiasts both locally and globally. He warned that the ban could lead to cultural extinction, as it targets a tradition deeply embedded in the cultural identity of the Ibibio, Annang, Oro, Obolo, and other ethnic groups in the South-East.
Offiong argued that Ekpo is a vital part of the intangible heritage of Akwa Ibom State, and any attempt to outlaw it raises significant cultural, legal, and historical issues. He criticized the ban as an abuse of the cultural sensitivity of its practitioners and an imposition of personal beliefs over the collective cultural identity. He emphasized that government decisions should reflect cultural pluralism rather than personal creed.
He further highlighted that the ban contradicts Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which mandates the state to protect and promote the culture of its people under Section 21. Additionally, he referenced the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the right to participate in cultural life, and the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which encourages preserving ancestral traditions.
Offiong pointed out that festive seasons in Akwa Ibom have traditionally been marked by vibrant Ekpo masquerade displays, which attract thousands of people, including those from the diaspora, during Christmas. He lamented that the ban could dampen the festive spirit and undermine cultural tourism efforts, as it would strip Christmas celebrations of their cultural richness and significance.
The government cited issues of extortion, intimidation, and disruption by individuals misusing the Ekpo attire as reasons for the ban. While acknowledging these concerns, Offiong argued that they do not justify abolishing an entire cultural institution. He suggested that instead of a blanket ban, the state should modify the practice and penalize those who misuse it to harm others. Offiong urged the state government to reconsider its position and adopt measures that preserve the cultural heritage while addressing any negative aspects.