How do the villagers show respect for the egwugwu?

They know that their masks cannot be removed or the spirit will die, so they stay away from the masks.

The egwugwus are elders who serve as judges in Umuofia culture. Sometimes, they are seen as Umuofia ancestors by the villagers. They are a symbol of the independence and culture of Umuofia, when they are lost, their culture and independence are also lost. The villagers show respect to them by following their orders.