By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has introduced a sweeping new burial law banning the giving of expensive items such as cows, goats, and other lavish gifts during condolence visits.
Observers describe the move as a major step toward curbing extravagant funeral practices that have long placed heavy financial pressure on bereaved families.
Under the regulation, “No person shall give to the deceased person’s family, as a condolence gift, any item exceeding money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer, and one crate of soft drink.”
The law effectively outlaws the common practice of presenting cows, goats, bags of rice, and other costly items at funerals and condolence visits. Offenders are liable to a fine of ₦100,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Beyond condolence gifts, the legislation contains far-reaching provisions aimed at reducing ostentatious burial ceremonies across the state. All burial ceremonies must be completed within one day, while wake-keep ceremonies have been abolished entirely.
Vigil Masses, services of songs, and related religious activities must end by 9:00 p.m., and no food, drinks, live bands, or cultural entertainment may be provided during such events.
The law also prohibits the erection of billboards, banners, and posters of deceased persons anywhere in the state. Only directional signs leading to burial venues are permitted, and they cannot be displayed earlier than seven days before the burial date.
Public display of caskets for advertisement or sale is barred, and dancing with caskets is prohibited. Undertakers are limited to six persons during funeral activities.
Corpses are not to remain in mortuaries beyond two months from the date of death. Any corpse kept longer risks being classified as a “rejected corpse” and may be buried in government-designated burial grounds to be established in every community.
The legislation also seeks to limit excessive spending by making food and drinks optional for guests and banning the sharing of souvenirs during funerals. Second funeral rites are prohibited except in legacy-related cases.
The wearing of uniform attire, popularly known as ‘aso ebi’ is restricted to immediate family members, church groups, umunna, umu ada and iyom di where applicable.
To enforce compliance, the state will establish Monitoring and Implementation Committees in various communities to oversee the registration of deaths, approve burial ceremonies, and monitor adherence to the law.
Traditional youth practices deemed disruptive have also been outlawed, including public demonstrations with photographs of deceased persons, destruction of crops or household property, and unauthorized use of firearms during burials.
Officials say the government’s latest move is aimed at restoring order to burial ceremonies and easing the financial burden on families.
