The Anambra State Government has officially denied reports that Governor Charles Soludo introduced a new burial law banning cows, goats, and other condolence gifts during funeral ceremonies. The government clarified that the only existing burial law is the Anambra Burial/Funeral Ceremonial Control Law of 2019, signed by former governor Willie Obiano.
Government Clarifies Misinformation
In a statement released on Tuesday, the government described the reports circulating on social media and some news platforms as false and misleading. The statement, signed by Law Mefor, called the viral reports “entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate act of misinformation.” Officials emphasized that no new burial law has been enacted under the Soludo administration.
Authorities also clarified that many claims currently being shared online are not contained in the 2019 burial law. Specifically, the government dismissed reports alleging that cows, goats, and other items have been banned during condolence visits in Anambra communities.
Details of the 2019 Burial Law
The clarification comes after widespread reports quoted parts of the burial law, including provisions stating that, “No person shall give to the deceased person’s family, as a condolence gift, any item exceeding money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks.” Other widely circulated sections claimed that, “All burial and funeral ceremonies are now restricted to Saturdays only. Midweek (Monday to Friday) burials are prohibited. All burial ceremonies must be completed within one day.”
The state government insisted that these reports were wrongly presented as newly introduced policies by Governor Soludo. Officials also criticized some media organizations for publishing unverified information without proper fact-checking, warning that such false reports could create confusion, unnecessary tension, and erode public trust.
Background and Purpose of the Law
The 2019 burial law was originally introduced to discourage extravagant funeral ceremonies and reduce financial pressure on families during burial rites. The government urged residents to ignore the viral claims and rely only on official communication channels for accurate information regarding government policies and laws in the state.
The statement was issued on May 19, 2026, amid growing public debate over funeral practices and burial expenses in many parts of southeastern Nigeria.
