Cultural Dilution of the Eku-Echichi Festival: An Urgent Call for Action

By Akonyi Ibrahim

It is imperative that traditional leaders, custodians of our cultural heritage, address the pervasive exploitation of masquerades within the context of the eku-echichi (afternoon masquerades) festival. The increasing frequency of masquerade appearances is leading to a significant devaluation of our cultural practices.

*Masquerading Ethics and Cultural Integrity* There is an urgent need to re-establish standards of dignity and adherence to cultural policies surrounding masquerade activities. Historically, masquerade presentations were governed by strict taboos and formal invitations, primarily occurring during designated events such as the Echane festival, burials, or the coronation of titleholders. These events required appropriate permits from local government authorities, thus serving both a cultural and economic function. In stark contrast, contemporary practices have resulted in indiscriminate masquerade appearances on various occasions, including weddings, undermining the sanctity of the tradition.

The Eku-Echichi festival is not merely a celebration but a crucial expression of cultural identity, characterized by an annual rotation of events across districts in Ebira Land. This festival serves as a homecoming for agricultural communities, marking a time of celebration and reflection before the onset of a new harvest cycle while also honouring ancestral legacies.

In earlier times, the mere mention of masquerades invoked a profound sense of reverence and fear within the community, compelling men to park vehicles away and women to maintain distance. Nowadays, however, instances of masquerades engaging in frivolous interactions with women in public in exchange for monetary gain erode this established reverence. 

The current situation regarding masquerade activities on federal highways is increasingly problematic, as it disrupts traffic and creates a public nuisance. While masquerade is an integral and cherished aspect of our cultural heritage, its recent manifestations appear to lack the intended reverence and purpose established by our ancestors. 

To address this issue, it is crucial to reassess and realign our practices with the original intent of these cultural festivals, which were designed for celebrations and community cohesion rather than mere performance. The leadership, including the Ohinoyi of Egbiraland, traditional chiefs, and local government authorities, must engage in a thorough review of these activities. By doing so, they can mitigate the negative impact on our highways and restore the dignity and significance of masquerade within our cultural framework.

Despite retaining some of its original elements, the Eku-Echichi festival is at risk of being compromised by contemporary influences. It is crucial to undertake a thorough reassessment and validation of these cultural practices to preserve the unique identity of the Ebira community. Without such measures, we face the prospect of a culture-less society, devoid of the rich traditions that have historically anchored our identity.