Masquerade Ban Affects Only Streets, Highways In Akwa Ibom , Gov Eno Explains

Friday December 5, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng

The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has said that the ban on masquerade activities is not absolute, but only on the streets and highways of the State.

He explained that traditionalists who use the masquerade as a symbol of worship are free to do so but within village squares or some confined areas to avoid disrupting public peace.

Governor Eno offered the explanations in his remarks at the funeral of the late Mrs. Rose Linus Okon, held at the State Cenotaph in Uyo.

“I have not banned masquerades in the State. I only banned masquerades from the streets to stop them from continuing to be a threat to the lives of citizens and residents in the State.

“They are free to worship their Ekpo religion but this must be confined to the squares within villages or their communities. Let their activities not infringe on the freedom of movement and the lives of others. Otherwise, they will face the law and be prosecuted accordingly,” he said.

He noted that “while everyone has the right to freedom of worship, no one should allow his or her freedom of worship to affect the freedom of movement of others.”