In a significant cultural reform, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) in Benue State has abolished costly burial rites for deceased persons and standardized the bride price, imposing a fixed rate of N50,000.
The announcement came during the New Year message delivered by the paramount ruler of the Idoma kingdom, Och’Idoma, Dr John Elaigwu Odogbo, in Otukpo, the headquarters of Idoma land.
Expressing concern over the extravagant marriage and burial rites recently incorporated into their culture, Och’Idoma disclosed that the decision was the result of extensive consultations with rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders in the kingdom.
The paramount ruler emphasized that the move was aimed at eliminating self-imposed, barbaric, and harsh cultural practices from Idoma culture and tradition. The new directives will apply to all Idoma clans, tongues, and people under the Idoma Area Traditional Council.
Och’Idoma outlined the key reforms as follows:
1. The prohibition of costly prescriptions, stipulations, and requirements imposed on bereaved families for burial rites. Burial rites are to be conducted within the affordable means of the family and concluded within two to three weeks from the date of death.
2. The unification and fixation of the traditional bride price in Idoma land at N50,000. Stringent conditions, stipulations, and expectations associated with traditional marriage are removed and prohibited.
3. The prohibition of the practice whereby relatives deny and deprive the children and wives of the deceased of their right to inherit the deceased’s property.
This move by the Idoma Area Traditional Council signifies a progressive step towards cultural reforms, addressing concerns about extravagant cultural practices and promoting affordability and inclusivity in marriage and burial ceremonies within the Idoma community.
