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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The traditional council of Ehugbo (Afikpo) in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has imposed fines of N100,000 and a sheep against Ozizza Community in the ancient town for allegedly desecrating their age grade system.
The council also fined a cultural group in the town, known as Alawiyo cultural dancers, N100,000 for using their drums and dance to play and sing the sacred songs of Ehugbo, which the women were not supposed to be part of.
The pronouncements were made during the Ehugbo General Assembly held at Okpoota playground in the town. Ehugbo General Assembly comprised the body of age grades, namely, the Onikaras, the Ekpuke Essas, the Ekpuke Etos, Isi Elias and the Ochighicha, in conjunction with the Afikpo Town Welfare Association (ATWA).
It ordered those who transited to another age grade system in Ozizza Community illegally during the recent traditional change of guard in Afikpo to revert to their original age or bear severe consequences.
The Ezeogo-elect of Afikpo Autonomous Community, Patrick Oko Chukwu, who attended the meeting, described the imposition of the fines as a way of instilling discipline and respect in the age grade system of the area and the culture of the town.
In addition, the council reiterated that consumption of beef remained prohibited in Ehugbo and directed the Ekpuke Eto age grade to go into the Eke market and fish out those selling cow meat in disguise, calling it China or US meat. The enforcement team was also directed to destroy any seizures made while the Ekpuke Essa age grade should dialogue with Unwana people to stop giving people place to slaughter cows.
Afikpo people about four years ago resolved to boycott the consumption of beef (cow meat) and rearing of cattle in the area following killings and destruction allegedly linked to Fulani herdsmen.
The situation had heightened tension in the area as many farmers abandoned their farms for fear of being harmed.
The General Assembly had discouraged the buying and selling of cow meat in any of the community’s markets particularly the Eke-Ukwu market, Afikpo.
According to the custom of the people, the traditional executive arm of the traditional council, the Ekpuke Etos officially disseminated the information in the Eke Ukwu market square on October 26, 2020.
