Issele-Uku Community Reviews Burial Rites, Restricts Elders from Attending Funerals of Young Persons

By Emeka Esogbue

The Issele-Uku community in Delta State has reviewed its traditional burial rites, introducing a regulation that restricts elders from attending the funeral ceremonies of young persons within the community. According to Anthony Nwakogo-Kogos, a media personality from the town, the regulation is part of efforts to preserve the community’s cultural heritage, reinforce age-long customs, and restore order to burial practices that, according to traditional authorities, have increasingly been abused.

Findings revealed that the resolution was reached by Izu Ani, the community’s parliament, and was subsequently ratified on Friday by His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi (Engr) Nduka MNSE, JP, the Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom. The review followed extensive consultations among community leaders, elders, and custodians of tradition over the growing disregard for established burial norms.

Speaking anonymously, a source from the community familiar with the deliberations told Pen Master that the rule prohibiting elders from actively participating in the burial rites of young persons had existed for generations but had recently suffered repeated violations. According to the source, some elders had begun attending such funerals in large numbers, openly feasting, drinking, and participating fully in rites meant exclusively for age mates and peers of the deceased.

“The law was fundamental to our culture,” the source said. “But people began to ignore it, especially during funerals of younger persons, and that was why the community had to step in.”

Under the reviewed regulation, elders who receive news of the death of a young person are expected to express sympathy, offer support, and assist with burial arrangements where necessary. However, they are no longer permitted to attend or participate in the traditional burial rites themselves, which are reserved for appropriate age groups in line with custom.

The restriction is only one aspect of the broader review of burial rites in Issele-Uku. It was gathered that other components of the funeral traditions were also adjusted with the aim of reducing financial burden on families, simplifying burial processes, and discouraging excesses that have crept into funeral ceremonies over time.

The development has been widely welcomed by members of the community. Reacting to the decision, a renowned journalist and publisher of Anioma Trust Newspaper, Mr. Patrick Chukwunwike Ochei, described the move as timely and necessary. He wrote, “They must obey by force. This is good.”

Similarly, Shalom Rita, a member of the community, Esonanjo, praised the traditional ruler and leadership for taking a firm stand. “This is good news. God bless you, my king. This has become something bad that our elders keep repeating. Imagine an old man of 80 or 90 years attending the burial of someone aged 50 to 70 and still getting drunk,” she said.

Many residents have expressed hope that the reviewed burial rules will be strictly enforced to restore dignity, discipline, and respect for tradition in the community, while ensuring that cultural practices continue to reflect the values and identity of the Issele-Uku people.

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