Governor Umo Eno’s ban on the public display of Ekpo masquerades in Akwa Ibom State has continued to attract criticism from cultural groups, civil society actors and legal practitioners, who describe the move as an attack on tradition and an abuse of executive powers.
The controversy began on November 30 when the governor announced the ban, citing security concerns. The decision was later formalised through an Executive Order, triggering widespread reactions across the state.
The state government said the ban followed intelligence reports indicating that criminals were disguising themselves as masquerades to harass and assault members of the public. Acting on the directive, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested individuals alleged to have violated the order.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, said the arrests followed a distress call alleging that armed masquerades attacked passers-by, including National Youth Service Corps members.
Governor Eno defended the Executive Order, stating that masquerade activities had become a nuisance and posed security risks, especially on highways. He said that while Ekpo is a recognised cultural practice, it must not infringe on the safety and rights of others.
However, critics argue that public display is a core aspect of the Ekpo tradition among the Ibibio, Annang and Efik people, and that a blanket ban undermines cultural heritage.
Tensions escalated last week when a masquerade, identified as David Effiong, was arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 in Uyo on charges including disturbance of public peace and terrorism-related offences. Effiong appeared in court in full masquerade regalia.
At the hearing, human rights lawyer Ekom Nwoko, who represented the defendant pro bono, argued that the charges did not justify remand and urged the court to consider the cultural context of Ekpo practices.
Ruling on the matter, the Chief Magistrate granted the defendant bail and directed the police to file a formal charge, describing the remand application as inappropriate for the alleged offences. The case was adjourned to December 19, 2025.
Following the ruling, public criticism of the ban intensified. Public affairs analyst Owei Lakemfa faulted the government for criminalising a cultural practice rather than prosecuting individual offenders. Activists Assam Uwana and Zik Gbemre also criticised the decision, saying the governor should have consulted traditional rulers and masquerade groups to regulate activities instead of imposing a blanket ban.
Despite the backlash, the Akwa Ibom State Government has insisted that the ban remains in force, maintaining that it is necessary to protect public safety and maintain order across the state.
