Angbo-Akata: the social dimensions of a night masquerade

Abstract

Man in his quest for total freedom and liberty seems to habour resentments for attempts and efforts to bring him and his communities under and in control. This disposition often exhibited by man makes it imperative, especially in governance, for the evolution of certain measures that can curb or contain man’s excesses and regulate his activities within the communities and the environments as a whole. African and Nigerian traditional societies can boast of a myriad of institutions designed with this thrust. These organizations operate from different angles and levels and approach deviant behaviours, incidents and occurrences from various perspectives but with the cardinal aim of discouraging wrong-doings and sometimes administering punishment to serve as deterrent. This work focuses on Angbo-Akata in its social dimensions, which serves among others, the purpose of restraining citizens from engaging in activities that are at variance with the communities’ and society’s accepted norms and values.

Keywords: Agbo-Akata, Night Masquerade, Social Dimensions