His Royal Majesty,
Eze (Dr) E.C Okeke,
CFR (Eze Imo)
Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Institution & Community Policing.
Council Headquarters,
Mbari Street, Owerri Imo State.

Your Majesty,

Subject: Concerns Regarding the Ban on Masquerades in Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State..Dated 1st December 2023.

May your days on the throne be long and bring blessings to your subject . I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent ban on masquerades in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, citing security issues as the main reason. While I understand the importance of maintaining security and safety within our communities, I believe that this decision may inadvertently contribute to the erosion of our rich Igbo cultural heritage.

It is worth noting that just recently, UNESCO released a prediction stating that Igbo culture is at risk of going extinct in the near future. As custodians of our cultural heritage, it is our collective responsibility to ensure its preservation and promotion for future generations. Masquerades play a significant role in our cultural festivities and rituals, representing a vital aspect of our identity and traditions.

By imposing this ban your Majesty, we risk losing an integral part of our cultural fabric, causing irreparable damage to our heritage. Masquerades serve as a medium through which stories, histories, and values are passed down from one generation to another. They contribute to the preservation of our linguistic, artistic, and performance traditions, which are essential components of the Igbo culture.

While security concerns must be addressed, it is important to explore alternative measures that strike a balance between safeguarding public safety and preserving our cultural legacy. I humbly request your Majesty to reconsider this ban and engage in constructive dialogue with the communities and stakeholders involved. Together, we can find solutions that both ensure security and respect the cultural practices that have shaped us as a people for centuries.

In conclusion, I implore you to reverse the decision to ban masquerades in Ideato North Local Government. By doing so, we can contribute to the promotion and preservation of our unique Igbo cultural heritage. Moreover, it will demonstrate our commitment to upholding our cultural diversity and identity.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I remain hopeful that you will give due consideration to the concerns raised by other individuals and communities who deeply cherish our shared cultural heritage.

Yours sincerely,

Kanu Kenechukwu
Ikpeze Uno Arondizuogu,
Ideato North Local Government Area,
Imo State
kensocrates@yahoo.com