By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has explained the reason behind the decision of the Onitsha Traditional Council to reduce traditional burial ceremonies from three days to one day.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday and was monitored by our correspondent in Onitsha, the Monarch said the move was aimed at reducing the heavy financial burden placed on bereaved families.
According to him, traditional burial practices in Onitsha previously involved a wake-keep that lasted all night, followed by burial ceremonies and thanksgiving services spread over three days an arrangement that often required significant spending.
“When I ascended the throne, burial rites had become a three-day affair of continuous expenses,” the Obi said. “So, under my leadership, the Traditional Council decided to compress everything into one day from 6am to 6pm. No wake-keep and no ‘day after’ ceremony.”
He acknowledged that the decision initially faced resistance, particularly from women’s groups, due to the long standing nature of the traditions. However, he said a consultation committee was set up to engage stakeholders and explain that the cultural rites would not be lost.
“We assured them that nothing in our culture or tradition would be discarded. Everything can still be done within 12 hours,” he explained.
The Monarch noted that although there were initial complaints and pushback, the new arrangement has now gained wide acceptance.
“Today, many people say it is one of the best decisions we have made in recent years. Even the church has adopted the one-day burial system,” he added.
