The Chukwuma Soludo administration has introduced strict new regulations aimed at ending extravagant burial ceremonies and reducing the financial burden on grieving families in Anambra State.
The law, passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, seeks to regulate funeral and burial activities across the state, with the government describing it as a major move to curb excessive spending and restore order during burial ceremonies.
Under the new law, all burial ceremonies must now hold only on Saturdays, while burials from Monday to Friday have been prohibited. Funeral activities are also required to be concluded within a single day.
The legislation further restricts condolence gifts to cash, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks. The popular practice of donating cows, goats, bags of rice and other expensive items during funerals has been banned.
Wake-keep ceremonies have also been abolished, while vigil masses, service of songs and similar religious activities must end by 9 p.m. The law prohibits the serving of food and drinks, live bands and cultural entertainment during such events.
Authorities also banned the erection of billboards, banners and posters of deceased persons across the state, allowing only directional signs to burial venues not earlier than seven days before the burial date.
In another major provision, dancing with caskets and public display of coffins for advertisement or sale have been outlawed, while undertakers are restricted to six persons during funeral activities.
The law further states that corpses must not remain in mortuaries for more than two months after death. Any corpse kept beyond the period may be classified as a “rejected corpse” and buried in government-designated burial grounds to be established in communities.
The legislation also bans second burial rites except in inheritance-related cases and limits the wearing of uniform outfits, popularly known as “aso ebi,” to immediate family members, church groups and recognised family associations.
To ensure compliance, monitoring committees will be set up in various communities to supervise death registration, approve burial arrangements and enforce the regulations.
The government also outlawed disruptive youth practices during burials, including destruction of property, unauthorised use of firearms and public display of photographs of the deceased.
Violators of the law risk a ₦100,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both. The law also warns against blocking roads and streets during burial ceremonies.
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