Ebonyi monarch bans unauthorised red cap, imposes N500, 000 fine

The traditional ruler of Ishiagu Kingdom in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi state, Moses Ngele, has banned residents from wearing red caps and other chieftaincy regalia without authorization

He prescribed a N500, 000 fine and traditional sanctions for offenders.

Ngele said the directive was aimed at protecting the sanctity of Igbo cultural traditions and preventing what he described as the desecration and abuse of traditional symbols in the kingdom.

Under the new directive, any resident who violates the order will pay N500,000, provide one he-goat, 11 native kola nuts and a ritual hot drink.

The monarch made the pronouncement in a statement personally signed by him Wednesday and titled, “Pronouncement on the Abuse of Traditional Regalia: A Decree for Preservation of Igbo Cultural Sanctity.”

He said the measure became necessary following the unauthorised wearing of red caps and other traditional regalia by some residents of the kingdom.

“The unauthorised wearing of the red cap and other chieftaincy regalia is hereby forbidden in Ishiagu Kingdom,” Ngele declared.

He said such conduct not only violates the authority attached to traditional regalia but also dishonours the cultural heritage of the Igbo people.

The monarch further directed any traditional title holder from a recognised traditional institution outside Ishiagu to submit a photocopy of his or her certificate to the Agu Palace upon returning to the kingdom.

He said the requirement would enable the palace to identify and verify persons holding traditional titles outside Ishiagu.

Ngele directed all subjects to comply with the pronouncement, adding that the directive had taken immediate effect.

“This directive takes immediate effect. Let all subjects treat this matter with the utmost gravity,” he stated.