Anambra West Legislative Council Moves to Regulate Masquerade Festivals
The Anambra West Local Government Legislative Council has enacted Masquerade and Cultural Festival Regulation and Control Bye-Law 2026 to regulate activities of masquerade during festivals.
Masquerade and Cultural Festival Regulation and Control Bye-Law 2026, was passed by the Congress of Councillors and recently signed into law by the former Mayor of the council, Hon. Mrs Ndivé Edith Nkeiru.
The legislature Mrs Nkeiru Ndivé in the legislation said masquerade groups and organisers of cultural festivals in the Local Government Area would no longer be allowed to block major roads, restrict movement or establish unauthorised checkpoints
The law, sponsored by Mr Ndubuisi Okonkwo, representing Umuoba Anam Ward and Majority Leader of the Congress sought to balance the preservation of traditional practices with the rights of residents to safety and free movement.
It acknowledged masquerade and cultural festivals as an important part of Anambra West’s heritage but said cultural celebrations should not be the basis for impeding freedom of the public movement.
It provided that organisers masquerade procession or cultural parade on public roads must obtain a written permit from the local government council and submitted at least seven days before the event.
“The council can impose conditions on an approved procession, determine its route or timing, or reject an application where it considers the event a threat to public safety.
“Blocking or barricading major roads, preventing vehicular or pedestrian movement and setting up unlawful checkpoints are expressly prohibited.
“Masquerade performances are also expected to take place primarily in approved village squares, community arenas and designated festival grounds.
“The council is required to publish and periodically update the list of approved cultural zones,’ it said.
The new law also targets practices that may infringe on individual rights during cultural celebrations and prohibits the unlawful detention, delay of people, forcing individuals to participate in cultural practices or intimidation or assault under the guise of masquerade activities.
“Traditional rulers, Presidents-General, youth leaders and festival organisers are expected to help enforce the provisions and maintain order during events.
The law describes failure by designated community leaders to discharge those responsibilities as dereliction of community responsibility.
The bye-law establishes a Masquerade and Festival Regulation Committee made up of representatives of the police, NSCDC, local vigilante services, communities and the local government.
“The committee will issue permits, monitor festivals, enforce the bye-law and coordinate with security agencies.
“A person convicted of blocking a public road faces a fine of up to N100,000, community service, up to two months’ imprisonment, or a combination of the penalties.
“Organisers or community leaders who authorise or condone road obstruction may be fined N200,000.
“Those who intimidate, assault or unlawfully restrict another person’s movement may face a fine of up to N100,000, up to two months’ imprisonment, or both.
“Groups or communities may also face collective sanctions, including the suspension of approval for future festivals.
“The legislation further requires offenders responsible for damage to public or private property or injuries to bear the associated repair or other costs,” it said.
