that ijele originated from old anambra state in nigeria many centuries ago is not in doubt. according to unesco recent commentary on the origin of ijele masquarade, it is believed that a dance group called akunechenyi from umuleri & aguleri communities along the eastern tributaries of the river niger in anambra state gave rise to ijele. it was originally intended to intimidate and scare away the early missionaries as well as celebrate royalty and greatness in igboland.