Africa is a continent known for its diverse culture and strong traditions, especially in a country like Nigeria filled with different tribes.
Some of the traditions practiced in Nigeria, especially the eastern part are; widows drinking the water from the bath of their late husband to prove innocency, forcefully shaving off the hair of the widow to prove she is mourning, amongst others.
However, with the advent of civilization, many of these traditions are believed to be archaic and less practiced as people are expected to be exposed and more knowledgeable.
But, a recent report by a widow has revealed that some traditions have not completely gone extinct, as some people still hold on to some of these traditions.
A 34-year-old widow from Ubahuekwem in Ihiala LGA of Anambra state, who raised this alarm, has cried out for help over her in-laws’ resolve to force her to drink water used in bathing her dead husband’s corpse.
Speaking with NAN in Awka on Sunday, the widow, Chioma Asomugha alleged that the brothers of Charles, her late husband, said she must drink the water to prove that she was not responsible for her husband’s death.
The widow, who stated that she lived with her late husband in Lagos before his death, however, added that she would not do it.
Further speaking she said: “The burial is fixed for Monday, June 14, but since we came home for the burial, the relatives of my husband forced me out of my matrimonial home.
“They insisted that before I will be allowed to come in, I will drink the water used in bathing my late husband’s corpse.”
Asomugha said she has reported the case to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Awka with a view to resolving the matter.
Laura Ugwuanyi, the coordinator of NHRC in the state, who confirmed the report, described it as obnoxious. She said that efforts made to handle the matter did not yield positive results as the family members were not cooperating.
Note: Picture is only used to portray the story
