It is no more business as usual for operators of the dreaded Ekpo Masquerade in Itu Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State.
Henceforth, any masquerade caught operating in any part of Itu LGA will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
In a press statement issued on August 7, 2025, Hon. Ubong Wilson Nkutt, Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, said the “unruly and dangerous displays by Ekpo Masquerade operators” within Itu can no longer be tolerated.
Hon Nkutt, in the statement titled, “Ban On Ekpo Masquerade Operations In Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, said the action is a ratification of the resolution of Esop Ikpaisong Mbong Itu – the revered custodian of our cultural heritage.
Accordingly, the council has declared as null and void any licence or authorisation previously issued for Ekpo Masquerade activities which were not in full compliance with the Akwa Ibom State Government Guidelines.
It directs all family and village heads to caution their subjects against contravening the directive as “any violation shall be regarded as an act of insubordination and offenders will be arrested and prosecuted per the law.”
The council further directs Law enforcement agencies to ensure full enforcement of the directive and to take all necessary steps to prevent any breach of public peace associated with the banned masquerade operations.
The statement reads, “Following repeated non-compliance with the Akwa Ibom State Government Guidelines, as well as reports of unruly and dangerous displays by Ekpo Masquerade operators within Itu Local Government Area, the Palace Council of the Paramount Ruler of Itu (Esop Ikpaisong Mbong Itu) convened a meeting on 30th July, 2025.
“After deliberating on the disturbing practices associated with the Ekpo Masquerade, the Palace Council unanimously resolved to impose a ban on its operation within Itu Local Government Area and duly communicated this resolution to the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council.
“Having received and reviewed the communication from Esop Ikpaisong Mbong Itu, the revered custodian of our cultural heritage, the Local Government Council hereby issues the following directives:
1. The operation of the Ekpo Masquerade in Itu Local Government Area is hereby banned with immediate effect, from today, 7th August 2025.
2. Any licence or authorisation previously issued for Ekpo Masquerade activities without full compliance with the Akwa Ibom State Government Guidelines is henceforth declared null and void.
3. Any future operation of the Ekpo Masquerade must fully comply with all provisions of the Akwa Ibom State Government Guidelines.
4. All family and village heads are hereby directed to caution their subjects against contravening this directive. Any violation shall be regarded as an act of insubordination, and offenders will be arrested and prosecuted per the law.
5. Law enforcement agencies are by this notice directed to ensure full enforcement of this directive and to take all necessary steps to prevent any breach of public peace associated with the banned masquerade operations.
