The Ekid People’s Union, a leading socio-cultural organisation of the Eket people in Akwa Ibom State, has announced a downward review of marriage and burial costs in Ekid land, in response to prevailing economic realities.
The decision followed resolutions reached at the EPU Annual National Congress held on Saturday in Eket Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Monday, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and former Minister of Lands and Housing, Chief Nduese Essien, said the reforms were aimed at repositioning Ekid society from what he described as a “rudderless society” to a disciplined, orderly and self-sustaining community.
According to him, “The Ekid People’s Union has taken a decisive step towards restoring order, dignity and sustainable development in Ekid land, with the unveiling of far-reaching reforms aimed at curbing excessive marriage and burial demands that have long burdened families and society.”
Essien, a former member of the House of Representatives, said a central element of the reform agenda was the harmonisation of marriage and burial lists across Ekid land.
He lamented that exorbitant marriage requirements in some communities had created social distortions, forcing many young men and women into single parenthood to satisfy their natural desire to have children.
He added that the high cost of marriage had compelled many young adults to cohabit without performing traditional marriage rites, a trend he said had eroded family bonds and cultural values.
“These excessive demands have produced unpleasant and unacceptable repercussions for families and society at large.
“To address these challenges, the EPU has now agreed on a reformed and standardised list for marriage and burial rites, designed to reflect modest spending in line with what families are naturally endowed with by God,” he said.
Essien explained that the new framework would eliminate unnecessary financial pressure and restore sanity to long-standing cultural practices.
He said starting from January 2026, the old system of exorbitant marriage and burial demands would be abolished, following the promulgation of the reformed lists.
He said the reforms would encourage young men to settle down earlier in life and end the distressing practice of families selling land and other valuable assets to bury deceased relatives.
Mbong expressed confidence that the new measures would restore dignity to Ekid cultural practices while promoting social stability and economic well-being.
In his remarks, the Village Head of Afaha Odonen in Eket, Chief Etteidung Paul Tom, said, “The resolution of the Ekid People’s Union, which has been passed into traditional law, stands.
“I want copies of the resolution sent to all village heads. Any community that allows the old burial practices to continue must be sanctioned.
“Our dead should be buried not more than two weeks after death,” he said, noting that in the past, three days was the maximum period for burial preparations.
Similarly, the Clan Head of Eket Offiong and Village Head of Abighe Asang in Esit Eket Local Government Area, Chief Etteudo Ikot, called for the criminalisation of the practice of opening mourning houses.
“In my opinion, we should criminalise certain burial practices that were never part of our ancestral customs. These modern practices are even more expensive than the burial ceremony itself.
“I fully align with the EPU resolution on marriage lists and burial rites,” he said.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Kelechi Amadi-Obi - Transcending the worlds of Law, Visual Art and Photography". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-MagazineDo you want to be heard, your events covered, your articles published, or need to advertise your products and services on our Blog and Magazine, reach out to us at Newswire Law and Events, you will be glad you did. For more details about our services, please call: 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk
