In Tombo Mbatie, a village in the Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, a family rejected a casket brought by their son-in-law for his mother-in-law’s burial. Bem Raphael Aondongu shared this news on Facebook on Thursday.
According to Aondongu’s post, the family found the casket to be unsuitable for their loved one’s burial, stating that it was not beautiful and too poor to bury a member of their family. The family turned the casket upside down in protest.
Aondongu explained that TIV tradition mandates that the first female child who is married is responsible for providing a casket for the burial of their deceased parent. The son-in-law attempted to fulfil this tradition, but the family rejected the casket for not meeting their standards.
“In the early hours of today, an undisclosed family rejected a casket brought by son-in-law for the burial of mother-in-law,” wrote Aondongu on Facebook. “As the TIV tradition demands, when a mother or a father dies, the first female child who is married is saddled with the responsibility to make provision for a casket for the burial of any of the deceased parents.”
Aondongu continued, “And for the maintenance of tradition, the first female child, in conjunction with her husband who is a son-in-law to the deceased mother, tried as he could to bring this casket in the pictures below but only to be rejected.”
The rejection of the casket by the family has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting the family’s decision, while others argue that the son-in-law’s efforts should have been appreciated.
The incident highlights the significance of tradition and cultural practices in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. It also raises questions about the importance of aesthetics in burial practices and the financial burden of meeting cultural expectations.
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