In the FCE Otite Eika-Adagu district of Kogi State, a significant incident unfolded when a group of Muslim clerics and community members took the drastic step of burning down a masquerade costume. This action, sparked by a heated family dispute, has since attracted attention from local authorities and stirred widespread discussion within the community.
The incident came to public attention through a live video shared online by Comr A. Arivi on Facebook. The conflict reportedly began when a father at the FCE Otite Eika-Adagu district discovered a masquerade costume in his house, an act allegedly practiced by his son and grandson. Initially unaware of its presence, he found the costume, took it and placed it outside in his backyard. When his son and grandson realized the costume was missing, they reacted angrily, leading to a chaotic confrontation within the household.
Understanding that masquerading practices were not welcomed at the FCE Otite Eika-Adagu district in Ebiraland, the father became increasingly agitated by his children’s defiance. The situation escalated, prompting him to call on the community members for assistance. After further deliberation, the community collectively decided to burn the masquerade costume, deeming it contrary to local customs and laws.
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However, this action did not go unnoticed by local authorities. The burning of the costume drew significant attention, raising concerns about the community taking the law into its own hands. Following the incident, a community meeting was held, and the minutes were later released, detailing the situation and the subsequent intervention by local leaders.
The report, titled “OTITE EIKA ADAGU MASQUERADE CRISIS,” highlighted the intervention of Hon. Monday Amoka Eneji Odu, the APC Chairmanship candidate. Known for his commitment to unity and stability in Okehi LGA, Hon. Amoka quickly addressed the crisis. He condemned the burning of the masquerade costume without proper government notification, calling the act barbaric, especially given the community’s fragile state.
During the meeting, Hon. Amoka emphasized the importance of respecting community laws and cautioned against taking matters into one’s own hands. He urged the custodians of the masquerade to abide by established rules that aim to maintain peace and order in the area. He also advised the community to involve the government in any future actions requiring legal backing to prevent similar incidents.
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The community chairman, Dr. Dosan, expressed his gratitude for Hon. Amoka’s intervention, which, alongside efforts from local security agencies, helped restore normalcy. Several community leaders joined Hon. Amoka in resolving the conflict, including:
- Adayi Yahaya Ismaila Iregu, Ward Head
- Dr. Dosan Inyaminda, Community Chairman
- Ojiya, Community Youth Leader
- Alhaji Yusuf Maman, Elder Stakeholder
- Adayi Kokori, Elder Stakeholder
- Adayi Sulieman Obaji, Elder Stakeholder
- Hon. Idu Maleek, Former Caretaker Chairman of Okehi
- Hon. Abdul Azeez Amoka
- Mallam Ishaq Ibrahim
- Alhaji Abdulkadiri Lawal, Chief Imam of Otite Eika Adagu
Hon. Amoka was accompanied by his cabinet members, including:
- Mallam Adams Iganyi, PA Admin
- Hon. Natty, Chief of Staff
- Hon. Umar Adorere, SA Security
- Hon. DMX, PA Domestic
This incident highlights the importance of legal processes and the risks associated with communities taking the law into their own hands. The swift actions taken by Hon. Amoka and the resolution reached at the meeting have, for now, restored peace at the FCE Otite Eika-Adagu district. This story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between tradition, law, and community order in areas with deep-rooted cultural practices.
Watch the video below:
