Abstract:

Scholars have worked on the impact of the Odo Masquerade cult amongst the people of the Northern part of Igbo land. However the indigenous people of Isu – Eha Amufu in Isi uzo Local Government Area of Enugu in their own case are in two divides either for absolute abolishment or the resonance of the masquerade cult as part of their heritage. This paper presented a missiological response to the resurgence of Odo masquerade after several decades of its abolishment in Isu Eha – Amufu and based on content analysis of related documents and important ethnographic information through interactions and oral interviews, the study observed that conflicts of position as it related to the masquerade cult is both a positive and logical explanation of cultural change believed to foster development. The finding show that those who believed in Odo Masquerade cult took the position that it is a cultural practice that united the people, established justice and connected them with their ancestors, while some hold the view that men hide under the masquerade cult to perpetrate cancerous scourges that intimidated, manipulated or deceived and plunged the people into darkness and wickedness, promoting killings and backwardness and coupled with the economic challenge and wastage led to its abolishment. Concluding as it were is the fact that all human institution presents both positive and negative sides, therefore the paper recommended the replacement of this cultural institution with some carnivals to accommodate social, economic and tourist activities in the community geared towards the promotion of equity and the maintenance of social order, spiritual and economic development amongst all strata of life in the community.