By Wilbet Ijeoma
EACH tribe in Nigeria has its traditions and culture when it comes to the posterity of widows.
Among the Ukwuani people of Delta State, it is called ‘ibulu-uzo’ – a situation whereby a widow is repossessed and retained by one of the siblings of the deceased in the same family.
In a case whereby there is no surviving or willing sibling, a willing extended relative; uncle, cousin or nephew can repossess and retain the widow provided the required rites are performed.
In Imo State, they have a unique culture and tradition they adopted when it comes to the death of a spouse.
A few days ago, the family of the widow of the former Governor of Ondo State, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu performed ‘mgbafu mkpe’ on her and she was repossessed.
The repossession celebration took place at the Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State where the Anyanwu family decided to hand over their daughter to the younger brother of Aketi, Wole Akeredolu.
Held on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, the former First Lady posted photos of the ceremony on her Instagram handle, where the Umuegeolu kindred handed her over to her late husband’s immediate younger brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu.
The handover back to the Akeredolus was the climax of the ceremony. This was after the Akeredolus had indicated interest in still having Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the Ada Owere 1 in their family after the demise of her husband.
Before the handover, the Akeredolus had presented kolanuts, palm wine and she-goat to the Umuegeolu kindreds including food to the Anyanwus as tradition demands.
Responding on behalf of the Akeredolus, Prof Wole Akeredolu expressed gratitude to the family, the Umuegeolu kindreds and the entire Emeabiam Community for their hospitality.
He formally informed them of the demise of his elder brother and their in-law who had since been buried. He pledged to continue to cater and care for their wife, Betty.
He also thanked all those who were in Ibadan Oyo State to commiserate with the Akeredolu family and the ones who were in Owo to witness the interment of Gov Akeredolu’s remains on February 23, 2024.
The former first lady, who was clad in a black gown with a touch of white stripes and dark sun shade, signalling that the mourning period was not yet over did not respond after the ceremony.
Present at the ceremony were Umuegeolu family members, Nde Mgboto Emeabiamn (Daughters of the soil) and Oha n’Ikoro Emeabiam (Elders Council).
‘Mgbafu Mkpe’ is a traditional Igbo ceremony performed shortly after the demise and burial of a woman’s husband in Igbo land. The family of the woman’s husband would indicate interest in still having the widow live with them or not.
Upon saying yes, the in-laws would hand over the widow back to the husband’s family after performing some rituals. Should the husband’s family say no, certain rituals are also conducted to free the woman from her husband’s family.
Late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu fondly called Aketi, died in December 2023 after battling cancer.
He was buried in February 2024 and weeks after his burial, his Owerri in-laws performed the traditional ‘Mgbafu Mkpe’ ceremony of Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his widow.
*Culled from News View
