In Nigeria, there be a troubling trend where families dey abandon their loved ones’ bodies in morgues because of the high cost and societal expectations surrounding extravagant funerals. This situation don lead to overcrowded mortuaries, as families often prioritize lavish send-offs over proper burials. Some corpses dey stay in morgues for years, and the consequences of this dilemma be very stark.
For instance, Prince Chibundu could not lay his father to rest for 18 months. His father, a high chief and certified accountant, passed away in May 2019. Despite his father’s passing, the family found themselves trapped by tradition and the pursuit of a grand funeral. In a country where poverty rate dey rise, many families dey forced to choose between daily survival and the cultural obligation of a grand burial.
Morgues across Nigeria dey overflow as families, who no get enough money, leave their loved ones’ bodies unattended for extended periods. The burden of tradition weigh heavily on those left behind, turning grief into a financial and emotional nightmare. In the race to provide a “befitting” send-off, the humanity of the departed—and the sanity of the living—is often forgotten.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Intercultural Relations, burial rites in Africa are often seen as the final opportunity to show respect to the deceased, which can prompt families to delay burial until all funds or resources are available to meet community expectations. In Nigeria, it is common for bodies to be kept in morgues for extended periods, sometimes for years, as families wait to raise funds for lavish funerals or resolve disputes.
The cultural demand for grandeur in burial ceremonies not only places emotional strain on families but also creates public health concerns, as many mortuaries are overwhelmed by the number of bodies they house. Scholars and policymakers are calling for a cultural reevaluation of funeral practices to address this pressing issue.
