The Anambra State Government has introduced strict new legislation regulating funeral rites, effectively outlawing midweek burials and banning the presentation of items such as cows, goats and other expensive gifts during condolence visits.
The law, enacted by the Anambra State House of Assembly, is aimed at regulating burial and funeral ceremony activities in the state.
According to the law obtained by our correspondent on Monday, the state described the move as a major step towards curbing extravagant funeral practices that have long placed heavy financial burdens on bereaved families.
The regulations are also aimed at boosting economic productivity, reducing extravagant spending and stopping prolonged, lavish funeral activities from disrupting working days.
Under the legislation, “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 drinks.
“All burial and funeral ceremonies are now restricted to Saturdays only. Midweek (Monday to Friday) burials are prohibited. All burial ceremonies must be completed within one day.”
The burial law also contains far-reaching provisions aimed at reducing ostentatious funeral ceremonies across the state, stating that offenders are liable to a fine of ₦100,000, or six months’ imprisonment, or both.
By the law, the common practice of presenting cows, goats, bags of rice and other expensive items at funerals and condolence visits is banned.
The law is intended to remove financial burden and pressure on bereaved families and to curb oppressive practices during burials.
It states, “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 9pm, 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’, ‘umuada’ 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 display of photographs of the deceased, destruction of crops or household property, and unauthorised use of firearms during burials,” it added.
The government’s latest move is aimed at restoring order to burial ceremonies and easing the financial burden on families.
The law also warns against the blocking of roads and streets during burial ceremonies.
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