Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has voiced his dismay over the reported breach of the state’s burial law at the funeral of former governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
Despite the enactment of the Anambra State Burial/Funeral Ceremonial Control Law in April 2019 during the tenure of former Governor Willie Obiano, excessive spending and flamboyant ceremonies continue to persist.
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The late Ezeife, who served as governor from January 1992 to November 1993, was laid to rest at his residence in Igbo-Ukwu Community, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Soludo, while attending the event, expressed his frustration at the extravagant style of the funeral, which he believes contradicts the state’s burial law.
The legislation aims to curb extravagant spending during burial and funeral ceremonies, a practice deeply entrenched in Anambra communities.
Despite warnings issued by the state government under the Soludo administration in October 2023, urging compliance with the law to avoid legal consequences, violations persist.
During his address at the funeral, Governor Soludo commended the late Ezeife for his exemplary life and leadership but emphasized the need to adhere to the burial law’s provisions.
He reiterated that the law, enacted prior to his administration, must be respected and implemented to prevent excessive spending and uphold societal values.
The Anambra State Burial/Funeral Ceremonial Control Law contains various provisions aimed at reducing burial costs and regulating funeral ceremonies.
These include restrictions on erecting billboards, banners, and posters; limiting the duration of corpses in mortuaries; prohibiting second funeral rites and holding wakes; and restricting the duration and activities of funeral ceremonies.
Despite the clear provisions of the law, violations persist, with residents organizing elaborate funerals contrary to its stipulations.
However, no arrests or prosecutions have been made since the law’s inception, raising questions about its enforcement and effectiveness.
