The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has announced that the Onitsha Traditional Council has approved a new policy reducing traditional burial ceremonies to one day, from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, the monarch said the decision was taken to reduce the financial burden on bereaved families. Under the new arrangement, there will be no wake-keep and no day-after ceremony, with all burial rites to be completed within 12 hours.
The Obi acknowledged initial resistance, particularly from women’s groups, but said consultations were held and consensus reached. He added that the policy has now gained wide acceptance and that churches in Onitsha have also adopted the one-day burial practice, describing it as a positive and impactful reform.
