Ogona Anita
Apart from being possessed by the violent spirit of Agaba masquerade, the custom of the Igbo people on masquerading and masking tradition recognizes the exhibitional trait of Agaba and the esoteric minstrel and nature of all other masquerades across culture. Tradition and culture gave birth to civilization, and at each age where culture comes into play and contact with civilization, the obnoxious and repugnant aspects and relics of culture at the time seek a blend or whither outrightly. Every religion and tradition, has modus operandi. The priests of Catholic Church, for instance, randomly sprinkle holy water on every individual, both those of Catholic faith and adherents to other religions, without permission, once present at an event where the priests officiated a cleansing and remission of sins for salvation. The same manner it is expected if not out of place where a masquerade in its peculiar attribute and exhibition performed at events. The kernel of this message is thrusted in the trait of Agaba masquerade and exhibitional performance as the last and most violent masquerade: thus the time on stage avails it the exclusive but little time to display its trait as the Agaba. Nothing more than the violent spirit in it, already known and attributed to it by the people, vox populi, and thus the culture of its masking tradition.
On this particular misdemeanor, not just if found a violent crime against humanity, the law looks at causation, circumstance and time precision. One might not have been exactly and correctly furnished with what transpired between the spirit being and human victim of the actions of the spirit Agaba masquerade in Awgbu. However, Igbo culture abhors any circumstances leading to unveiling of traditional masks in public as seen in the photograph above. The spirit can also sue for justice in its own way, and at place(s) of allegiance and reverence, particularly to the goddesses of the land. Let remember whilst rebuking the actions of the person behind the mask, that Agaba is Agaba, and as such should be judged according to the laws within its parlance, esoteric minstrel and exhibition thus falling in line and thought of the masking traditions in Igboland. We have to preserve our culture from extinction, and write wrongs where repugnant to social justice, equity and good conscience.
Kingsley Agu, PhD
Legal and Public Affairs analyst
