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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has commended Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to limit the duration of corpses in mortuaries to two months, calling it a “welcome development” that will aid spiritual cleansing in Igbo land.
MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu, in a press conference, in Owerri, yesterday, expressed support for Soludo’s move, saying it’s a step towards addressing the spiritual and cultural concerns associated with prolonged mortuary stays.
The group warned that keeping dead bodies in mortuaries can lead to spiritual turmoil, restlessness, and moral decay among the living, particularly the youth.
MASSOB also called on other South East governors, including Abia’s Alex Oti, Enugu’s Peter Mbah, Imo’s Hope Uzodimma, and Ebonyi’s Francis Nwifuru, to emulate Soludo’s example. The group also lauded Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka for championing the cause.
The organisation called on traditionalists and religious leaders to join the effort to ban prolonged keeping of corps in the mortuary, saying it’s essential for restoring Igbo cultural heritage and moral values.
He said, “MASSOB has issued a crucial warning regarding the ongoing practice of keeping dead bodies in mortuaries across Igbo land. Its cultural and spiritual concern has grave implications for the well-being and moral fabric of our society.
“We express deep apprehension over the embalming and prolonged retention of deceased individuals in mortuaries. It is our belief that such practices prevent the spirits of these departed souls from finding peace, resulting in restlessness and a lack of closure for both the families and the communities affected. The unburied souls are wanderers, creating an atmosphere of spiritual turmoil in our land.
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“Therefore, MASSOB is steadfast in our commitment to pursue a spiritual cleansing of Ala Igbo from what we refer to as “dead zombies” that disrupt the harmony of our environment and society.
“MASSOB overwhelmingly supports the Anambra State government on their resolve in reducing the duration of keeping corpses in mortuaries within a space of two months.
“MASSOB also acknowledge and appreciate the resilience and steadfastness of Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka (Ogilisi Igbo) for championing this noble vision and persistent preaching for evacuation of unburied corpses in mortuaries and ban on further keeping of dead bodies in mortuaries.
“We advise Abia governor, Dr Alex Oti, Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and Ebonyi State governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, to emulate the move Anambra State made in keeping corpses in mortuaries.
“The consequences of leaving corpses unburied extend beyond the spiritual; it deeply affects our youth. The spirits of the unburied are believed to exert influence over our young people, leading them toward criminal tendencies and immoral behaviours.
“We believe that a dead person’s spirit cannot find rest until they are given a proper burial, and it is considered an abomination in Igbo culture to keep a body for more than four Igbo market days.
“In light of these concerns, MASSOB urges traditional and religious leaders, as well as our governors, to take immediate action in banning the retention of dead bodies in mortuaries”, Madu stated.
