The Anambra State Government has introduced sweeping new regulations aimed at ending extravagant burial ceremonies and reducing excessive spending associated with funerals across the state.
The new law, enacted by the Anambra State House of Assembly, places strict limits on funeral activities, condolence visits and public displays linked to burials.
Under the legislation, mourners are now prohibited from presenting expensive items such as cows, goats and other luxury gifts to bereaved families during condolence visits. The law permits only modest items, including cash, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks.
The reform is part of efforts by the administration of Governor Charles Soludo to discourage what authorities describe as unhealthy competition and wasteful spending during funerals, particularly in communities where families often borrow heavily to organise elaborate ceremonies.
The government said the rising culture of week-long burials and expensive entertainment has placed unnecessary financial pressure on families and disrupted economic and social activities during working days.
As part of the new measures, all burial ceremonies in the state are now restricted to Saturdays, while funerals conducted between Monday and Friday have been banned. The law also requires that all burial activities be concluded within a single day.
Wake-keeping ceremonies have equally been abolished, while vigil masses, services of songs and related religious activities must end by 9 p.m. The law further prohibits the serving of food and drinks, as well as live bands and cultural entertainment during such events.
In another major restriction, public display of caskets for advertisement or sale has been banned, alongside the practice of dancing with caskets, which has become increasingly popular at funerals in some parts of the country.
The legislation also outlaws the erection of billboards, posters and banners announcing the death of individuals. Only directional signs leading to burial venues will be permitted, and such signs cannot be displayed earlier than seven days before the funeral.
To further reduce the commercialisation of funerals, the law limits the number of undertakers participating in burial activities to six persons and prohibits second funeral rites except in cases involving family legacy or traditional obligations.
The use of uniform funeral attire, popularly known as “aso ebi,” has also been restricted to immediate family members, church groups, “umunna,” “umuada” and “iyom di,” where applicable.
Another controversial provision of the law states that corpses must not remain in mortuaries beyond two months from the date of death. Any corpse left beyond the approved period may be classified as a “rejected corpse” and buried in government-designated burial grounds to be created within communities.
The state government said monitoring and implementation committees would be established in various communities to oversee compliance with the law, including the registration of deaths and approval of burial ceremonies.
Authorities warned that violators risk a fine of one hundred thousand naira, a six-month jail term, or both.
Observers say the legislation represents one of the most ambitious attempts by any state government in Nigeria to reform burial practices and reduce the growing financial burden associated with funerals.
While supporters argue that the law will ease economic pressure on families and restore modesty to burial ceremonies, critics believe some provisions may spark debates over cultural and traditional rights in communities across the state.
