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BEHOLD THE CHARACTER OF ONE OF THE MASQUERADES OF "OWU- ORINUSUNU" POPULARLY CALLED AJIGBODO (OWU- EZE).

The Ajigbodo, popularly known as Owu-Eze, is one of the most fearful masks that displays its acrobatic performance on the grand finale of the "owu-orinusunu", popularly known as "owu-chachachai" by the good people of Rumuji in Emohua L.G.A., of Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria.

The masque performs its skills using a cane to scare people away and a bell to announce its arrival to the dancing stage. As the name implies, owu-eze, meaning the supreme masquerade. The masquerade is usually covered by an umbrella (nfomini) which prevents rain or sun rays from touching the masquerader. It takes the masquerade three good hours before it completes its performance.

The marine mask is so ugly that pregnant and expectant mothers hide their faces, as well as shattering fresh eggs on the horrible cloak, entreating them not to inhibit their wombs that their babies at birth may not mimic the face of the ugly mask.

On hearing the name, and the chorus of the ajigbodo, there comes an unprecedented wind, people, old and young, male and female youngsters start falling on the ground because they may have been possessed by the marine spirit which accompanied the ugly masquerade, ajigbodo.

Note that the "black and white" photograph was captured at Rumuji community in the 1930s while the other was taken at the same place were the former was captured, at Mgbuoda playground (Ama-oregbu), Rumuji Odegnu on the 27th June, 2021.

It might also interest you to know that this ancient masquerade was introduced by Ohna Eluke Ovu-ordu of Rumu-Ewhezzaa in the 18th century, as this ancient culture is very much alive till today.

More of these are seen in a history book titled "A Compendium of the History, Origin, Culture and Tradition of Odegnu Kingdom."

Red Rex