The Anambra State Government has rolled out sweeping new rules to regulate burial and funeral ceremonies, banning midweek burials and outlawing the presentation of costly condolence gifts such as cows, goats and large food items.
The new legislation, passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, is designed to tackle extravagant funeral practices that authorities say have placed growing financial pressure on grieving families and disrupted economic activities across the state.
Under the law, all burials and funeral ceremonies must now hold strictly on Saturdays and be completed within a single day.
Midweek burials, from Monday to Friday, have been prohibited.
The government said the move is aimed at promoting productivity, discouraging excessive spending and bringing an end to prolonged funeral celebrations that often spill into working days.
One of the most striking provisions targets condolence visits and gift-giving.
The law states that mourners are no longer allowed to present expensive items to bereaved families. Acceptable condolence gifts are now limited to money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks.
This effectively bans the long-standing practice of donating cows, goats, bags of rice and other costly items during funeral ceremonies.
Violators risk a fine of ₦100,000, six months imprisonment, or both.
The legislation goes further by abolishing wake-keep ceremonies entirely.
According to the new rules, vigil masses, services of songs and similar religious gatherings must end by 9pm. Organisers are also barred from serving food or drinks or providing live music and cultural entertainment during such events.
The state has also moved against public funeral displays.
Billboards, posters and banners bearing the image of deceased persons are now prohibited across Anambra. Only directional signs leading to burial venues will be allowed, and these can only be displayed within seven days of the burial.
Other restrictions include a ban on public display of caskets for sale or advertisement and the increasingly popular practice of dancing with caskets.
Funeral undertakers are limited to six persons, while corpses are not permitted to remain in mortuaries beyond two months after death.
The law warns that bodies kept longer could be classified as “rejected corpses” and buried in government-designated burial grounds expected to be created in communities across the state.
To further cut funeral expenses, food and drinks for guests are now optional, while the sharing of souvenirs has been prohibited.
Second burial rites have also been outlawed except in cases involving inheritance or family legacy issues.
The use of matching funeral attire, popularly called aso ebi, has been restricted to immediate family members, church groups and recognised family associations.
Authorities say community monitoring committees will be established to supervise death registration, approve burial plans and ensure strict compliance with the new law.
The legislation also bans disruptive funeral practices, including destruction of property, unauthorised gun use and blocking of roads during ceremonies.
The state government says the reforms are aimed at restoring dignity to burial ceremonies while easing the financial burden many families face during periods of mourning.
