Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
As the preparations for the burial of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s father, Pa Simeon Soludo, continue, kinsmen in his community have threatened to boycott the burial following disagreement with burial date fixed by the family.
Ikengaonline learnt that Soludo’s father who died on November 6, 2023, has been fixed for burial on December 23 by the family. But sources in Isuofia, the governor’s hometown, said the date violates existing law in the town which prohibits fixing of such functions in the community after 15th December every year.
A leader in Isiofia community who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the governor knew about the law and wondered why he (Governor) decided to violate it with impunity.
The source said, ”Governor Soludo knows the existence of this law long ago. It didn’t start today. Why should he violate it? What is the urgency of burying his father during the Christmas period?
“In Isiofia and in fact in most communities in Anambra State, burial activities are suspended from 15th of December every year till after Christmas and new year festivities. This is to enable people have an unfettered Yuletide period.
“We were surprised when the governor unilaterally fixed his father’s burial for 23rd of December, just two days to Christmas. Who does such thing in Isiofia?
“I’m sure no Isiofia person will attend that burial. It is against our law. The governor cannot say he will obey Anambra State burial law in burying his father and disobey Isiofia law on burials. It won’t happen. We will boycott that burial. He can’t do that. It’s impunity. Is it because he is a governor? Obedience to laws must start at home.
“His father died early November; he has over a month to plan for his burial; why must he encroach into the community’s reserved period to do the burial? We won’t allow it. It’s not good. It will send wrong signals to the people of the community.”
According to an announcement for the funeral programme of their father signed by Chief Emma Soludo on behalf of the family, the burial of Pa Simeon Soludo would hold for only one day on 23rd of December apparently in line with the Anambra State funeral laws.
