Onitsha Traditional Council Condemns Use Of Masquerades For Political Campaigns
The Onitsha Traditional Council, Ime Obi Onicha, has cautioned politicians against using masquerades for political purposes.
Council in a Statement signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, Chief of Staff to Igwe Alfred Achebe on Wednesday, warned that politicising cultural symbols could lead to undesirable division and conflict among Onitsha people
The Council which was reacting open display of Masqueraders as symbol of support for a gubernatorial candidate said the act was in blatant disregard for the traditions and customs of the people of Onitsha
The Council described masquerades as sacred embodiments of the ancestors which played a vital role in the spiritual and communal life of the Onitsha people adding that their association with political movements or candidates undermined the spiritual authority and communal purpose they served
It called on politicians and their supporters to respect the heritage of Onitsha and refrain from using sacred institutions for political gains.
“The Traditional Council views this development as a dangerous precedent that threatens the sanctity and neutrality of Onitsha’s cultural institutions.
“For centuries, the people of Onitsha have successfully preserved their unique cultural heritage, embracing modernity while maintaining the Integrity of their traditions.
“In the light of this, Onitsha Traditional Council calls on the security agencies to collaborate with our traditional institution to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future,” it said.
The Traditional Council said it noted with concern the increasing trend of external interference in Onitsha’s cultural practices, particularly the use of masquerades from outside Onitsha
The Council said was fully committed to continue to uphold and defend the cultural values that have always defined us as a people.
“These masquerades are alien to Onitsha and have no place in our
cultural landscape
