The Onitsha Traditional Council, also known as “Ime Obi Onicha,” has vehemently denounced the usage of masquerades for political campaigns and other purposes ahead of the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election.
The traditional council, the Obi of Onitsha’s royal stool, was responding to a recent incident in which political party candidates were spotted wearing masquerades during their campaigns and publicly endorsing them.
Chief Osita Anionwu, the “lke Akatakwuani” of Onitsha and the Chief of Staff of the Onitsha Traditional Council, however, stated in a news release issued on Wednesday that the act is a flagrant disrespect for the highly valued traditions and practices of the Onitsha people.
Anionwu said for centuries, the people of Onitsha have successfully preserved their unique cultural heritage, embracing modernity while maintaining the integrity of their traditions.
He added that masquerades, as sacred embodiments of the ancestors, play a vital role in the spiritual and communal life of the people and should not be seen engaging in political functions.
A development, he described as a dangerous precedent that threatens the sanctity and neutrality of Onitsha’s cultural institutions.
The statement read in part, “The Onitsha Traditional Council, ‘Ime Obi Onicha’, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent display of masquerades openly supporting a political candidate in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.
“This act, which has been widely captured on video and photographs, is a blatant disregard for the revered traditions and customs of the people of Onitsha.
“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.
“Masquerades, as sacred embodiments of the ancestors, play a vital role in the spiritual and communal life of Onitsha people. Their association with political movements or candidates undermines the spiritual authority and communal purpose they serve.
“The Traditional Council notes with concern the increasing trend of external interference in Onitsha’s cultural practices, particularly the use of masquerades from outside Onitsha to influence local customs and traditions.
“We stress that these masquerades are alien to Onitsha and have no place in our cultural landscape.
“In light of this development, the 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.
“We urge all stakeholders, including political aspirants and their supporters, to respect the cultural
heritage of Onitsha and refrain from using sacred institutions for political gain.
The council warns that the politicisation of cultural symbols could potentially lead to undesirable division and conflict among the people of Onitsha.
“We appeal to our subjects to remain united, strong, and vigilant, and fiercely protect the integrity of our traditions.”
He assured the people that the Onitsha Traditional Council is fully committed to continuing to uphold and defend the cultural values that have always defined them as a people.
