12/19/2025
Agulu Culture And The Masquerade Crisis
Ndi Agulu Dirikwanu, Ndi Agulu Kachanu
Agulu is blessed with a rich and admirable cultural heritage that has been celebrated for generations. Our festivals especially the New Yam Festival (Erim Ji), Christmas, and other cultural seasons have always attracted people from neighboring towns, across Anambra State, and even from other parts of Nigeria. Many look forward to coming to Agulu to witness and experience the beauty of our traditions.
Many years ago in Enugu, during a gathering of young men, discussions arose about the uniqueness of Agulu’s masquerade tradition the Mbem of Agulu, the Oja of Agulu acknowledged as unmatched and uncontested anywhere else. One of them, a Nwadianna from Nwanchi, spoke proudly of how he never missed Erim Ji Agulu. Each time he visited, he came with as many as 50 to 100 people, many of whom were not even indigenous of Anambra State, let alone Agulu. That was how powerful and attractive Agulu culture was.
The masquerade institution in Agulu has always been both respected and respectable. Mbem bu ihe eji enwe anuri it is a source of joy. To see the masquerade move with ebube and dignity is to witness culture at its finest. Masquerades like BBC, Ikuku, Onowarigwe, and many others entertained crowds with meaningful ima mbem. People gathered eagerly to listen to their vocals because they carried joy, wisdom, and pride.
Even today, names like Owuanyionu, Ogbanje, 2‑1, Esesuo, Odemjinjim, and others still stand out for their powerful and meaningful vocals. These are voices rich in words and values that reflect who we are. Indeed, Agulu has long been known as one of the greatest homes of Mbem in the world.
So, Agulu people, what went wrong?
Why are some young people destroying what the culture of Agulu truly stands for? Years ago, masquerades were banned in Agulu because of the negative image being portrayed: flogging people who are older than you father, flogging people on transit, attacking people on motorcycles, engaging in uncontrolled fights and violence. Is this what Agulu culture represents?
Agulu people, visitors are being chased away from our land. Do we understand how much Agulu business men and women gain during festive periods? Hospitality, commerce, and goodwill all suffer when fear replaces joy.
Why are we allowing certain masquerades such as X, Ugama, Hammer ⚒️, and others to bring nuisance, arrogance, and wickedness into our sacred traditions? Even worse, some voices in circulating videos speak recklessly, praising evil instead of condemning it. Such behavior disgraces our heritage.
When masquerades were banned in the past, Agulu became deserted during festive seasons. Our people traveled far and wide to watch masquerades in other towns. Do we want history to repeat itself? Are we ready for another ban possibly imposed by the government if care is not taken?
Agulu people, the clock is ticking.
This is a call for reflection, correction, and responsibility. Let us protect the dignity of our culture, restore respect to our masquerade institution, and ensure that Agulu remains a place of joy, pride, and cultural excellence for generations to come.
Agulu, Anambra State Agulu
