1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background History of Ekpe
Masquerade In Ohafia
Ekpe masquerade is a popular masquerade among the Rivers, cross — river and Abia state of the federal republic of Nigeria.
According to the research made on the history of Ekpe masquerade it convincingly provide on specific date on when the Ekpe masquerade tradition started.
Hence the fact that Ekpe masquerade tradition has lasted for thousands of years still masks the topic a crucial one to be studied.
Several researcher conducted recently have proven originator or root of this tradition to be the Efik speaking people of cross river state, usually populated in the capital, calaba.
Nde Ohafia or Ohafia people Assimilated the Igba Ekpe (Ekpe festival) through their migration from Ndoni to Andoni as taught by the Ohafia folklore.
The research traced the origin of Ohafia propel as rebels of Owan, Benin Kingdom in the present Edo state of Nigeria. Their ancestors waged war against the authority they set off to settle in Ndoni. Ndoni is in Delta state while Andoni is in River state From Andoni the journey took through Mben, Isieke, Louur Ibeku, Bende, Ozu Abam and then to where we now call Ohafia.
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