REDEFINING BURIAL CEREMONY IN IGBOLAND
REDEFINING BURIAL CEREMONY IN IGBOLAND
By Izuchukwu Adichie
The recent burial ceremony of the late Pa Simeon Nwankwo Soludo (Ichie Akukananwa 1) has continue to garner widespread praise and admiration for its exemplary conduct and decency. The event, which took place on December 23, 2023, has been hailed as a revolution in the Igbo culture of burial ceremonies.
While it is true that the celebration of a life well-lived aligns closely with Anambra State's Burial Law of 2019, which aims to provide more affordable burial options while maintaining dignity. However, Soludo took things a step further by returning the funeral ceremony to its original form. In the past, Igboland was known for decent funerals that were free of obscenity and pressure on family members and friends. Unfortunately, this has changed over time, with many people now feeling compelled to sell their land and properties or even borrow money to give their loved ones a "befitting" burial.
The recent event was a welcome departure from this trend. Soludo and his family members adhered to the traditional practices of mourning, which included allowing only the deceased family members to wear mourning clothes. Additionally, the family did not share ashebi uniforms with friends and well-wishers who did not know the deceased.
Even the Vice-President of Nigeria, Shettima, who attended the event, acknowledged that Soludo's example had redefined burial ceremonies in Igboland. He expressed hope that this trend would spread across the country, allowing families and those with limited means to understand that it is possible to give their loved ones a decent burial without borrowing money or selling their properties.
In summary, the burial ceremony of Pa Simeon Nwankwo Soludo was a remarkable event that has redefined burial ceremonies in Igboland. It serves as a reminder that it is possible to honor the deceased without succumbing to the pressures of modern-day burial practices.
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