By CHIMEZIE ANASO

The Onitsha Traditional Council, ‘Ime Obi Onicha’, has condemned the use of masquerades for political purposes ahead of the Nov. 8 governorship election in Anambra.

The Onitsha Traditional Council made the condemnation in a statement signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, Chief of Staff to Igwe Alfred Achebe, the traditional ruler of Onitsha.

The council reacted to the recent open display of support by Masqueraders for a governorship candidate in the forthcoming Nvo. 8 election, saying it is a blatant disregard for the traditions and customs of the people of Onitsha.

Anionwu said that Masquerades were sacred embodiments of the ancestors which played a vital role in the spiritual and communal life of the Onitsha people.

He warned that politicisation of cultural symbols could potentially lead to undesirable division and conflict among Onitsha people, while urging politicians and their supporters to respect the heritage of Onitsha and refrain from using sacred institutions for political gains.

“The association of our cultural heritage with political movements or candidates undermines the spiritual authority and communal purpose for our cultural heritage.

“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.

“In the light of this, Onitsha Traditional Council calls on the security agencies to collaborate with it to ensure that such incidents do not reoccur in the future,” it said.

The Traditional Council said it noted with concern the increasing trend of external interference in Onitsha’s cultural practices, particularly the use of masquerades from outside Onitsha.

He said that the masquerades were alien to Onitsha and had no place in their cultural landscape.

He appealed to the people of Onitsha to remain united, strong, vigilant, and protect the integrity of our traditions.

“The Onitsha Traditional Council is fully committed to continue to uphold and defend the cultural values that have always defined us as a people,” he said. (NAN)