The deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Onah Chinedu Ogba has explained that the motion to ban masquerading in public places, was to bring an immediate and permanent end to the alleged barbarism in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State.
Hon. Onah in an interview with journalists in Abakaliki said that the motion has become necessary to checkmate the constant activities of the masquerades parading in Okwor Market and the major roads of Ngboejeogu which has inposed threat to the traders and pass bye.
The enforcement of the ban which has led to the arrest and detention of six masquerades at Okwor Ngbo market has raised tension among the traditionalists of the said community.
Recall that a masquerade popularly known as Ugwoke Omebe beat ministers of God recently at the said Okwor Ngbo Market.
The Deputy Speaker who is representing Ohaukwu South State Constituency said though he was not in any way preaching against the cultural displays such as masquerading but it should be on various village squares and playground.
"This issue of deviating from the original culture and tradition of the people to criminality is not peculiar to my Constituency. But just we have decided to take a bold step from my area because of the record of what they have done recently. Masquerading to an extend is for an entertainment. Like I said when I was moving the motion in the House, to ban masquerading at public places like market, I said, a masquerade that is friendly will not be possible to use force and tell people to give it money. But when you harass them, it's difficult for anybody to come around you. And naturally, traditionally, women have nothing to do with masquerade in our place. So, if masquerade decides to go where women are selling a small produce from the farm, what do you? It simply means you want crisis".
"What really informed the idea of moving the motion was as a result of the general meeting conveyed by the leaders of Ngbo Elders Council after a masquerade and some supporters beat up a Methodist priest, called Reverend Israel Oyibe from Ekwashi. The masquerade beat him and not only that but tore his clothes and damaged his motorcycle. Currently, the man is at Abakaliki looking for help, a Reverend Minister. As that one was not enough, a Catholic priest Reverend Christian Ohu, from Afikpo residing in Ngbo, was strucked by this masquerade and also flagged a cook that he was coming with. When you go to the market, you see a lot of incidence, where women are complaining of beating of the masquerade. When they come to the market, you can't sell. It's because the masquerade can't allow you sell".
"In my presence, a man was coming from Okposhi Ehuku road, that leads to Okwor Ngbo, I was coming from my village, and I meet the man and I saw a masquerade. When the man asked what was the problem? The masquerade demanded for money. The man offered 200 Naira. The masquerade said 200 Naira is nothing in considering the situation of economy in the country now. That the man should pay 1,000 Naira. When the said since he don't have 1,000 to go back and ply another road, the masquerade refused. The masquerade said to choose between the two canes it was holding and started beating the man. I rescued the man and treated the man before I allowed him to go. A situation where these things are happening, I can't keep quiet. I'm not only representing few people but the masses who could not have access to the social media to complain, and some women who are not able to see us. Telling the press that my mother was also beaten, is an insult to me because I should know what to do. That's why when the Ngbo leaders Council came up and took that decision, I have to sponsor it in the House and get approval to ban this masquerading at the public places like markets". He explained.
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