The king, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Tijjani Muhammed Anaje and stakeholders have suspended the outings of masquerade until standards are set.
Addressing the stakeholders at a special meeting in his Palace in Okene, the Ohinoyi regretted that recent Ebira masquerade outings have been characterized by violence, intimidation and lawlessness, leading to the gross bastardization of the culture and requiring urgent attention.
Dr Ahmed Tijjani Muhammed Anaje said that the meeting was convened to address challenges generally hindering the progress of Ebiraland, particularly those associated with masquerading activities, and to chart a way forward towards redeeming the battered image of the land.
He warned traditional rulers across Ebiraland against associating with criminals even as the Ohirebas lamented that masquerades no longer take directives from traditional authorities.
According to him, such masquerades often rely on the backing of highly placed individuals in positions of power.
Other traditional rulers at the meeting
The Taarus, on their pleaded with the government to clearly define their powers and authority within their respective domains.
At the meeting, a committee was inaugurated and saddled with the responsibility of identifying problems associated with masquerading in Ebiraland and proposing lasting solutions.
The committee was given three weeks to submit its report.
The Ohindanse of Okengwe was appointed as Chairman of the committee, while Dr. Haruna Opotu and Dr. Suleiman Salihu were named Secretaries.
Other members were drawn from districts across Ebiraland, cutting across local government areas, and included Ohis, district heads, Taarus, Ohirebas and community leaders.
