Anambra State government has reiterated the ban on wakes, billboards, banners, and posters during burials and funerals.
In an official statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, residents were also cautioned against obstructing roads during such events.
This action was taken in accordance with the Anambra State Burial/Funeral Ceremonial Control Law enacted by the state House of Assembly on April 9, 2019, which imposes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violators.
Nwosu noted that this law remained in effect, expressing disappointment that it was being disregarded.
He further said that the law allows the erection of directional posts during burials.
The statement read in part, “It has come to the attention of the state government that the Burial Law of the state is only observed in the breach by Ndi-Anambra.
“Government hereby wishes to re-emphasize that the law is still in existence and applicable to burial and funeral ceremonies in Anambra State.
“The House of Assembly of Anambra State had on April 9, 2019 enacted the Anambra State Burial/Funeral Ceremonial Control Law.”
The law stipulates that burial/funeral ceremonies of an indigenous deceased person should commence with the registration and payment of N1,500 to the town union.
Nwosu added that, “No person shall erect any billboard, banner or posters of the deceased. Persons are allowed to erect only directional posts.
“No directional post shall be erected before seven days to the burial date and should be removed not later than seven days after the burial date.
“Any person who contravenes the provisions shall upon conviction pay a fine of N100,000 or go to jail for six months, or both.”
Nwosu explained that the law also limits the duration a corpse can remain in the mortuary and sets penalties for non-compliance.
It mandates permission from the local government authority to block roads for burials and restricts the display of caskets for fabrication and sale in the state, with associated fines and imprisonment terms for violations.
The law further stipulates that only legacy cases can have second funeral rites, disallows wakes, restricts timing and activities during vigil masses, and mandates that all burial/funeral ceremonies should be completed within a day.
It sets guidelines for the exposure of preserved corpses, limits the number of undertakers, and prohibits undertakers’ displays during the burial ceremony.