From Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The traditional ruler of Okija in Ihiala north local government area of Anambra state has banned funeral ceremony of anybody or persons suspected to belong in any cult group.
News Echo reports that the community including the Igwe and his cabinet members have seen the strategy as a positive step to bring to barest minimum cultism and its related activities in the community including neighbouring axis.
Igwe Emeka Okezie, stated this in a press conference, yesterday.
In the presence of his cabinet chiefs, the monarch said the decision was as a result of recent developments in the community, which saw to the killing of some youths in cult-related clashes, which, according to him, would not be allowed to continue.
He said: “Sequel to the recent unwholesome developments in Okija, which saw to the killing of some youths in cult-related clashes, a meeting was convened by His Royal Highness, Igwe Emeka Okezie on Wednesday.
In attendance were members of the Iba Eze, and members of the Otu Nwe Obodo Okija
“The meeting resolved that henceforth, there will be no burial ceremony for anybody confirmed to have died in cult-related clash or war; rather, the corpse of such person will be left in the custody of police authorities to deal with, accordingly.
“Again, henceforth, no funeral ceremony will be held for any cult member in the community; no matter the circumstances of death. Any family that disobeys this resolution for whatever reason, and under any circumstance, will be excommunicated for a period of seven years according to the Customary Laws of the land.
