Akwa Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, announced a ban on masquerades in December 2025. The masquerade ban sparked debate over the boundaries of religious freedom in Nigeria. While the governor justified the policy as a security measure, cultural and traditional practitioners argued that it violates constitutional rights to cultural expression and worship. This ban exposes the broader national challenge of balancing public order with protecting diverse religious beliefs.
Rather than outright banning masquerade activities in certain areas of Akwa Ibom state, the authorities should impose stricter measures to punish violent masquerades. The Akwa Ibom state government should also create a multi-stakeholder committee to address religious and cultural tensions in the state.
In Nigeria’s multi-religious setting, we cannot overemphasise the need for tolerance. Across the country’s six geographical zones, Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers co-exist. However, some parts of the country have laws that suppress certain religious groups.
Like in Akwa Ibom, which confines Ekpo masquerade displays to market squares, Kaduna has laws requiring licenses for religious activities. Beyond the partial and total legislation against religious practices, certain groups remain persecuted, with thousands of deaths recorded in 2025.
Rather than restricting Ekpo masquerade displays to certain areas in the state, the Akwa Ibom State government should strengthen enforcement against specific acts of violence associated with masquerade activities.
The core issue is not the cultural practice itself, but instances of assault, theft, or obstruction of public movement carried out under its cover. Targeting misconduct, rather than the practice, ensures that law enforcement actions are proportionate and constitutionally sound.
Stricter penalties, swift prosecution, and clear, publicised consequences for offenders would serve as a credible deterrent to individuals who exploit masquerade displays to perpetrate violence. Existing criminal laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act already prohibit assault, harassment, and public disorder; what is required is consistent enforcement, not broader cultural restrictions. The state government can also require the registration of masquerade groups to ensure accountability when violence occurs.
In Oyo, Egungun masquerade festivals have occasionally resulted in violence. Rather than outright banning these festivals, the government mandated the registration of masquerade groups and prosecuted individuals involved in violence. This approach preserves Yoruba cultural heritage while addressing specific acts of misconduct. By punishing unlawful behaviour instead of limiting lawful tradition, the government reinforces the rule of law, reduces perceptions of religious suppression, and strengthens public trust.
Beyond strengthening enforcement against violence, Akwa Ibom State should institutionalise dialogue by establishing a multi-stakeholder committee. This committee should comprise traditional rulers, Ekpo practitioners, security agencies, and relevant government officials. Making policy decisions that affect identity and belief systems in isolation is unsustainable for a multi-religious and culturally diverse society.
In northern Nigeria, the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith has helped mediate religious tensions and address potential violence through early consultation and coordinated responses. Established in 2015, the bureau is credited with reinforcing trust and advancing inclusion across communities in Kaduna.
Although conflicts persist because of broader security challenges, religious leaders have applauded Kaduna’s inclusive model and urged other regions to adopt its approach for the reduction of religious tensions.
To adopt this model, Akwa Ibom should establish the committee through an executive directive defining its mandate, membership criteria, and reporting structure. Regular meetings, emergency response protocols, and publicly communicated resolutions would enhance transparency and credibility.
The committee will help strengthen trust between citizens and government, enable early conflict detection, and facilitate effective policymaking. By taking proactive dialogue measures, the Akwa Ibom government can move from reactive restriction to collaborative problem-solving.
Adopting stronger enforcement measures with a structured stakeholder committee will chart a path toward a rights-centred security model in Akwa Ibom. This approach envisions a future where there is respect for cultural practices and respect for public safety.
Strengthening law enforcement measures will shift accountability towards perpetrators of violence rather than entire religious communities. Also, a multi-stakeholder committee in Akwa Ibom will help the state government enact proactive rights-centred security policies rather than reactive and restrictive ones.
Religious freedom in Akwa Ibom is key to maintaining peace and fostering development. Enacting proactive policies with full consideration for citizens’ rights is critical to achieving religious freedom.
Edem Udofia is a writing fellow at African Liberty.
Article first appeared in TheCable.
Photo by Ahmad Jaafar via Unsplash.