The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred, has shed light on the recent decision by the Onitsha traditional council to reduce traditional burial rites from three days to just one.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, the 4th of February, 2026, the monarch explained that the move was primarily aimed at easing the financial burden on bereaved families.
He acknowledged that there was initial resistance, particularly from women’s groups, but emphasized that the council engaged in consultations to address concerns.
“Yes, in some cases, there are push backs, particularly some elements of our culture and tradition that has been on for a long time,” Igwe Nnaemeka stated.
The monarch recounted how traditional burials used to be conducted: “When I came onto the throne, our traditional burial, which even the Church has also emulated, is that you have a wake-keep, which is an all night affair, and then the next day is interment, which is a big ceremony.
“Thanksgiving service to bury somebody was three days of spending money. So, the traditional Council under me decided that we can cut it down to one day, 6am to 6pm. No wake up, no day after.”
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He further explained how the council handled the resistance: “We knew that there would be resistance, the women’s group and all. So we then set up consultation committee and spoke to the leaders of the women group and convinced them that it is the right way to go, and there’s nothing about our culture and tradition that is going to be set aside because everything can be done in 12 hours. They accepted it.
“Initially, they were grumbling and some push back, but today, everybody said it’s the best decisions that we’ve made in the past several years. And the church also has adopted it,” he added.
Igwe Nnaemeka’s explanation highlights a balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting practices to modern realities, ensuring burials remain dignified without imposing excessive costs.