Court Declares Ekpo Masquerade Sacred, Orders Akwa Ibom Govt to Pay Damages

A Customary Court in Akwa Ibom State has delivered a landmark judgment affirming the cultural and religious rights of the revered Ekpo masquerade institution, while awarding damages against the state Government for the unlawful arrest and detention of a traditional worshipper, Mr. Mfoniso Effiong.

Effiong was arrested earlier during an Ekpo procession after State authorities began enforcing an Executive directive restricting masquerade outings across public streets during festive periods. The Government issued the restriction on the grounds that some masquerade displays had increasingly posed security risks and caused disturbances in several communities.

The arrest sparked outrage among Local traditional custodians and cultural advocates who insisted that the Ekpo institution is more than a cultural performance. They described it as an essential spiritual rite embedded in the identity of the Annang, Ibibio, Oro, and Obolo peoples of the state. Effiong’s detention was widely condemned as a violation of his rights and an assault on the centuries-old heritage of the region.

In its ruling, the court declared the arrest unlawful, holding that the Ekpo masquerade is a religious and cultural entity protected under the Nigerian Constitution. The court emphasized that no Executive Directive or Government policy can overrule the fundamental rights of citizens to practice their cultural and religious beliefs. It stressed that Effiong was engaged in a recognized traditional rite and that his detention amounted to an infringement on his personal liberty, freedom of worship, and cultural expression.

The judge ordered the Akwa Ibom State Government and its Agents to pay damages to Effiong for the violation of his rights. The court further directed the Government to respect indigenous institutions and ensure that enforcement actions do not target cultural practices protected by law.

The ruling has been widely celebrated across Akwa Ibom communities, with traditional rulers and cultural stakeholders describing it as a victory for indigenous identity and a reinforcement of constitutional protections for traditional religion. They noted that the judgment sets an important precedent at a time when many cultural practices are facing pressure from modern governance policies.

As of the time of filing this report, the State Government had not issued an official response to the court’s decision.