By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has warned that it may clamp down on, ban or prosecute masquerade groups whose activities threaten public peace, following rising concerns over violent and unruly conduct linked to traditional festivals in parts of the state.
The warning was issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Donatus Nduka Onyenji, against the backdrop of the Agaba Awgbu saga, which has sparked public outrage in Awgbu community, Orumba South Local Government Area.
Recall that the Anambra State Police Command recently identified a 28-year-old man, Ifesinachi Ezeolu, as the individual behind a violent masquerade accused of terrorising residents of Awgbu through alleged assaults, intimidation and harassment.
The incidents, some of which went viral on social media, drew widespread condemnation and renewed calls for government intervention.
In a public service announcement dated January 16, 2026, Onyenji said the state government had observed with concern the “rascally behaviour” of some masquerades, stressing that existing guidelines on masquerading issued in 2024 remain in full force.
He reiterated that no masquerade is permitted to engage in unruly conduct capable of causing harm to law-abiding citizens or disrupting peace in any part of Anambra State.
According to him, masquerade performances must be restricted to designated community squares or approved spaces and must not obstruct traffic, harass motorists or embarrass members of the public.
The commissioner further reminded law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and especially presidents-general of town unions of their responsibility to ensure strict compliance with the government’s directives.
Onyenji noted that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo supports cultural festivals and traditional practices, including masquerading, describing the governor as “a man of culture and tradition.”
He, however, stressed that such activities must be conducted responsibly, particularly as Anambra positions itself as a growing destination for cultural tourism, leisure and entertainment.
He warned that the government would not hesitate to ban or prosecute any masquerade or group that violates public order, adding that some masquerades and their sponsors who defied the directive had already been arrested and were facing the law.
The commissioner called on communities to promote Anambra’s cultural heritage in a “decent and interesting fashion,” emphasizing that culture remains a source of pride for the state and must not be allowed to become a tool for violence or intimidation.
