CULTURE: Igolo Okpochiri Masquerade and Its Operation

This is one of the most feared and respected masquerades in Ngboejeogu nation. It’s called Igolo Iphe or Igolo Okpochiri. It’s called Igolo Okpochiri because it’s the people of Okpochiri Ukwagba Ngbo that owns it.

The home grove is located at Okpochiri Ukwagba Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area. Although the era of masquerading in Ngbo is obsolete, but this particular masquerade is still in vigour. Igolo has followers, a Chief Priest, a personal vehicle, and a motorcycle.

Whenever Igolo is attending a burial or special function, it goes with the vehicle or bike as the case may be. Igolo is called “Honourable” as its penname due to its magical powers and respect accorded to it. Significantly, Igolo doesn’t flog with their right hand unless provoked beyond. When Igolo flogs with the right hand, the person must appease Igolo in its diety located at Okpochiri Ukwagba with requirements that follow it.

The requirements are usually ram, fowl, yam, Kolanut, etc. Failure to do this amounts to death or dangerous illness. The designated hand Igolo flogs with is the left hand. Igolo also settles the dispute. When one is having a rift with his fellow, the person can report to Igolo for a peaceful resolution. If one speaks ill of Igolo while displaying in a function or passing in the market, it must get to its ears and what follows it is pining the person down or those in that particular spot and hitherto, baptize them with heavy lashes.

If Igolo crosses its two legs, all those in the area will be incapacitated to move an inch. Most often, they will all fall on the ground, while the agile Igolo will water them with lashes if Igolo appears in the market, like Okwo Ngbo Market, any keg of palm wine, fowl, goat, and other items touched by Igolo strictly belongs to Igolo without restriction by the owners. For Igolo to attend the function, especially burial, some items accompany the invitation and after attending the function, there are also items to be given to Igolo and its followers.

 Igolo movement is directed by the Chief priest who usually holds a strong thing in his hand adorned with feathers and other stuff which is believed to be the anchor of Igolo. Some call it charm.

He is always in the front clearing way for Igolo. Igolo is largely feared by other masquerades because of its strong powers. Igolo walks slowly which depicts its peacefulness but when provoked, the result is usually obnoxious.

Igolo is a heritage & property in Ukwagba. Ukwagba celebrate it. It doesn’t kill people. It doesn’t deal on charms. Igolo is the most peaceful masquerade and like the Inspector general of police. Igolo maintains law and order in a function.

Once Igolo is around, nobody messes up, including other masquerades. That is to say that, the traditional force headquarters of Ngbo is arguably at Ukwagba. According to investigation, it’s believed that some people are riding numerous Okada for Igolo on hire purchase basis and sometimes, Igolo is so generous that he gives out the Okada to the honest ones midway in the business. Igolo is the richest masquerade in Ngboejeogu.