Rita Odafe
The Unveiling of the Ijele Masquerade Sculpture
The government of Enugu State has inaugurated a striking metal sculpture of the Ijele masquerade at Onuasata Roundabout in Obiagu, aimed at enhancing cultural tourism and safeguarding Igbo heritage.
During the unveiling ceremony, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, praised Governor Dr. Peter Mbah for his extensive improvements to infrastructure in Enugu, which he believes is reinstating the city’s prominence as the heart of Ndigbo and the former Eastern Region.
Achebe highlighted that the sculpture symbolizes the rich cultural traditions of the Igbo people, where the Ijele masquerade is revered for its significance. He emphasized that it embodies essential aspects of human experience.
“It is undeniable that Enugu serves as the center of Igbo culture, and anything that enhances its stature is crucial to us all as Igbo individuals,” he remarked. “Ijele is unmatched in size and is mainly revered in Anambra and Enugu, fulfilling unique roles and narratives.”
“I express gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah, an Ijele himself, for making this dream a reality and for enhancing both the state and Igboland’s beauty,” he added.
As the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu attended the event, underscoring the sculpture’s importance in honoring the region’s culture and labeling the occasion as historic in showcasing the depth of the Igbo cultural heritage.
“This is a significant event for the traditional rulers of Enugu State and Southeast. We are grateful to the governor for promoting our rich culture,” he stated.
Dame Rita Mbah, Chairperson of the Enugu State Tourism Board, explained that the Ijele sculpture aligns with the Mbah administration’s vision to transform Enugu into a cultural and artistic hub while positioning it as a leading tourist destination. She noted that the sculpture’s location is strategic, being a traditional site for masquerade performances during celebrations.
“The Ogui community is renowned for their Ogene music and masquerades. Enugu people pride themselves on their rich culture, and this sculpture is placed where locals and visitors alike gather during festive seasons,” Mbah elaborated.
Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, Chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers and leader of the Ibagwa Nike community, expressed his appreciation for the governor’s commitment to promoting cultural values through the establishment of the Ijele sculpture, which is a significant feature of the Nike community’s celebrations.
“We are at a core gathering point for the Nike people’s masquerade festivities. Every traditional leader embodies Ijele, and this initiative will attract tourists to acknowledge Enugu as a cultural and enjoyable destination,” he remarked.
“Enugu is not only pivotal as a city but serves as the headquarters for the Southeast and historically the entire Eastern Region, excluding Lagos. Today’s event highlights the historical significance of both the Ijele and Enugu,” he concluded.
The ceremony was also attended by various government officials and distinguished traditional leaders, including Hon. Chima Obieze, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, among others.
