The plans for the dreaded and respected ancient Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade in Anambra State to come to Lagos for Igbo Festival has met a dead end following the decision of the Nigeria Police not to allow it in Lagos.
NEWS DIRECT reports that it was the outcome of the meeting between Igbo Stakeholders in Lagos and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Ishola Olarewaju Olawale, which held at POWA complex at Oduduwa Street in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
The meeting was attended by Ndieze from various LCDAs accros the State, including Ezendigbo, Lagos State, Eze Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, Eze Chika Nwokedi, Eze Lawrence Nnamdi Eze, Eze Alex Sunday Nwoye etc.
Others included the Igbo Speaking Community President, Chief Sunday Udeh, National Coordinator Ndigbo Media Forum, Rev. Paul Eze, market leaders, religious leaders and many Igbo men and women including captains of Industry.
Area Commanders and DPOs from various Divisions and Commands were also present at the meeting.
The Police boss stated that the residents, including the indigenes were not comfortable with the masquerade coming to Lagos after a group boasted that they were coming to Lagos to unleash mayhem.
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The CP played a video recording of Ajofia Masquerade performing rituals while declaring that they were coming to Lagos, which attracted the attention of security agencies over suspicion of their intentions of coming.
He explained that there has been an existing good relationships between the Igbo and other ethnic groups and Lagos State is working and accommodates everyone resident in the State.
He also stated that the Police would not like to see anything that will likely cause breach of public peace in the State and it was better to prevent it.
CP Olawale noted that every tribe has their own masquerade, operates within their tribe and knows what it entails to have such masquerade. He therefore, stated that Ajofia is an Igbo masquerade and it should not come to Lagos State, which is another tribe and may not understand the workings of the masquerade like Ndigbo.
The Police boss declared that Ajofia Masquerade is not allowed to come to Lagos State and he will do anything possible to ensure that the masquerade did not step its foot into the State.
He urged the Igbo Stakeholders at the meeting to warn the masquerade and its group, who he said were on the security agencies watch list and will be fished out over their alleged threats on the social media.
Olawale assured Ndigbo of their protection in the State and if they have any festival they want to celebrate, they should inform the Police for adequate security and protection.
In response on behalf of Ndigbo present, Eze Nwachukwu thanked the CP for the meeting and noted the message he has passed which he said that they will pass to the masquerade not to come to Lagos.
However, Eze Nwachukwu explained that Ajofia Masquerade is not dangerous as being portrayed probably because of its size, which may have instilled fear in some tribes.
He explained that Ndigbo and the host community including other tribes have been living peacefully over the years, noting that the area of disagreement has been in politics and that is when an Igbo man is on the ballot paper during elections.
He assured CP Olawale that Ndigbo are law abiding people and will obey the law of the State. He explained that the small masquerades should be allowed to participate because it is what they showcase during the Igbo cultural festival in Lagos State.
The fear expressed about the Ajofia Masquerade may not be farfetched, in the realm of Igbo masquerade festivals,
Ajofia stands above the rest; it has earned a reputation as the most feared and respected in Igbo land.
The name Ajofia means evil forest. This depicts how revered the masquerade is. As the most respected and feared masquerade, below are the features which make it unique.
Impressive Size: Standing at approximately 10 feet tall, Ajofia is accompanied by a procession of over 50 men who assist in setting up the grand masquerade and provide guidance throughout its performance.
2: Adornments: The masquerade’s body is adorned with a variety of dead animals, live animals, and crawling insects, enhancing its other worldly presence.
3: Mysterious Smoke: Smoke is often seen emanating from Ajofia Nnewi’s head, adding to its enigmatic nature.
4: Symbolic Significance: Ajofia always carries a traditional symbol called “anunu ebe,” a tree under which no bird perches and no plant can grow. This tree holds powerful medicinal properties and is revered in Nigerian mythology.
5: Musical Legacy: The Ajofia Nnewi masquerade has a popular song that has been recorded and performed by various masquerades and Igbo traditional music groups.
6.Traditionally, this masquerade does not perform in front of women. To secure its presence at an event, it reportedly commands a fee between N500,000 and N1m.
Beyond its entertainment value, there is speculation that Ajofia Nnewi possesses spiritual powers, believed to attract good fortune wherever it appears.
