Police bar Igbo masquerade from entering Yoruba indigenous land of Lagos, citing cultural sensitivity, security concerns

December 05, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Ishola Olarewaju Olawale, has prohibited the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade from entering Lagos for the Igbo Festival, citing concerns over public safety and potential breach of peace.

This decision was made during a meeting between Igbo stakeholders in Lagos and the police commissioner.

Recall, The Yoruba Times reported a video of a traditional Igbo man who said the masquerade, Ajọ ọfia Nnewi, is making its way to Lagos December 12, 2024.

The Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade, notoriously referred to as the “Evil Forest,” holds significant cultural and traditional value in Igbo society.

However, its proposed appearance in Lagos has been met with strong opposition from various Yoruba communities in the state, who have expressed concerns and reservations about its presence.

CP Olawale explained that residents, including indigenes, were uncomfortable with the masquerade’s presence in Lagos after a group boasted about unleashing mayhem.

He played a video recording of the masquerade performing rituals, which raised suspicions about their intentions.

The police commissioner emphasized that every tribe has its own masquerade, operating within their tribe, and that Ajofia is an Igbo masquerade that should not come to Lagos State, which is another tribe.

Eze Nwachukwu, responding on behalf of Ndigbo, thanked the CP for the meeting and acknowledged the message.

Despite Eze Nwachukwu emphasis on peaceful nature of the festival featuring the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade in Lagos, indigenous people of the state have expressed strong objections to its appearance, citing concerns that it could pose a risk to individuals who are unfamiliar with the traditional significance and cultural context of the masquerade.

According to report, In Igbo mythology, the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade is believed to possess spiritual powers, which can be unsettling for those who do not understand or share the same cultural beliefs.

Furthermore, the masquerade’s name, “Evil Forest,” evokes a sense of mystery and foreboding, which can be intimidating to those who are unfamiliar with its cultural significance.

The Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade is traditionally not performed in front of women, which can create an air of mystery and exclusivity around the masquerade.

The masquerade’s performances often involve elaborate rituals and ceremonies, which can be perceived as “dangerous” or “-threatening” by those who do not understand their cultural context.