Anambra New Burial Law, Bans Presentation of Cows, Goats as Condolence Gifts

• The Anambra State Government has introduced strict new funeral regulations, banning midweek burials, expensive condolence gifts, wake-keep ceremonies and other lavish burial practices across the state.

The Anambra State Government has introduced strict new legislation regulating funeral and burial activities across the state, effectively banning midweek burials and the presentation of expensive condolence gifts such as cows and goats.

The law, recently passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, is aimed at curbing extravagant funeral practices and reducing the financial burden often placed on bereaved families.

According to the legislation obtained by journalists on Monday, the government said the move would also help improve economic productivity and reduce disruptions caused by prolonged burial ceremonies during working days.

Under the new law, burial ceremonies in the state are now restricted to Saturdays only.

“All burial and funeral ceremonies are now restricted to Saturdays only. Midweek (Monday to Friday) burials are prohibited. All burial ceremonies must be completed within one day,” the law stated.

The legislation also places restrictions on condolence gifts.

“No person shall give to the deceased person’s family, as a condolence gift, any item exceeding money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks,” the law added.

The new funeral regulations prohibit the common practice of presenting cows, goats, bags of rice and other expensive items during condolence visits and burial ceremonies.

Offenders risk a fine of ₦100,000, six months imprisonment, or both.

The law also abolished wake-keep ceremonies entirely.

It further stated that vigil masses, services of songs and other religious activities connected to funerals must end by 9pm.

In addition, no food, drinks, live bands or cultural entertainment are allowed during such events.

The legislation also bans the erection of billboards, banners and posters of deceased persons across the state.

Only directional signs leading to burial venues will be permitted, and such signs cannot be displayed earlier than seven days before the burial date.

The law equally prohibits public display of caskets for advertisement or sale, while dancing with caskets has also been outlawed.

According to the legislation, undertakers are limited to six persons during funeral activities.

Corpses are also not expected to remain in mortuaries for more than two months after death.

“Any corpse kept longer risks being classified as a ‘rejected corpse’ and may be buried in government-designated burial grounds,” the law warned.

The legislation further seeks to reduce excessive spending by making food and drinks optional for guests and banning the sharing of souvenirs during funerals.

Second burial rites have also been prohibited except in legacy-related cases.

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The use of uniform attire popularly known as “aso ebi” has been restricted to immediate family members, church groups, “umunna,” “umuada,” and “iyom di,” where applicable.

To ensure compliance, the state government said monitoring and implementation committees would be established across communities to oversee burial approvals and monitor adherence to the law.

The legislation also outlawed certain traditional youth practices considered disruptive, including destruction of crops or household property, public display of photographs of the deceased, and unauthorized use of firearms during burial ceremonies.

The government stated that the reforms are intended to restore order to burial activities and ease financial pressure on families in the state.

The law also warned against blocking roads and streets during funeral ceremonies.