The Anambra State Government is reiterating its burial laws, warning residents not to violate them. These regulations, introduced in 2019, are designed to streamline and control burial and funeral ceremonies in the state.
According to a statement from the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, the Anambra State Burial/Funeral Ceremonial Control Law, enacted by the State House of Assembly, remains in effect. The law outlines various rules and guidelines for organizing and conducting burial and funeral ceremonies.
Key provisions of the law include the requirement for the registration and payment of N1,500 to the town union for the burial of indigenous deceased persons. It also prohibits the erection of billboards, banners, or posters of the deceased, allowing only directional posts. Directional posts are limited to installation within seven days before the burial date and removal no later than seven days after the burial.
The law imposes penalties for violations. Any person contravening these provisions may face a fine of N100,000, a six-month jail term, or both.
The regulations also stipulate that corpses should not remain in the mortuary for more than two months from the date of death. Violation of this rule can lead to a fine of N100,000 or a six-month prison sentence, or both.
Other restrictions include the prohibition of road blockages for burials without permission from the local government authority, the restriction on publicly displaying caskets for fabrication and sale, and limitations on post-vigil activities. Food, drink, live bands, and cultural entertainers are not permitted during or after the vigil-mass/service of songs/religious activities for the deceased.
According to the statement, all burial and funeral ceremonies are limited to one day, with burial mass/services commencing no later than 9 am and lasting no more than two hours. Preserved corpses should not be exposed for more than 30 minutes, and the number of undertakers should not exceed six. Burials are also not allowed on any local market day in the state.
The law mandates that no funeral brochure should be produced, except for the Order of Mass/Service. It limits the mourning period for a deceased person’s relation to no more than one week from the date of burial/funeral. Matters related to the Anambra Burial Law fall under the jurisdiction of the magistrate court.
The Anambra State Government’s decision to reinforce these regulations aims to bring order and uniformity to burial ceremonies, as well as to streamline the associated activities and expenses.
Source: [Punch]
