WATCH: Nigerian actor Mr Ibu buried in his lounge 3 months after death
Nigerian comedian and actor John Okafor, affectionately known as Mr Ibu, was buried this weekend in his lounge – three months after his death.
The veteran Nollywood actor and comedian passed away on 2 March at the age of 62 due to a heart attack.
MR IBU BURIED IN HIS LOUNGE
Mr Ibu’s poignant yet celebratory funeral was held in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West, in Enugu State. The burial ceremony was attended by a various well-known celebrities, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, as well as friends and family members.
Videos on social media show Mr Ibu’s body arriving in Enugu for the final rites. The hearse wasaccompanied by his family, including his son.
However, the vehicle was not taking him to a typical cemetery as he was buried at his home.
The video shows mourners digging in the centre of his sitting room in his house, where his body was buried.
WHY THE STAR WAS BURIED THREE MONTHS AFTER HIS PASSING
According to The La Nouvelle Tribune in April, Mr Ibu’s elder brother, Sunday Okafor, said the family decided to deliberately delay the actor’s funeral as they are determined to offer him a tribute befitting his status as a cinematic icon.
He further said that this decision also emphasises the importance of celebrating his brother’s life rather than hastily bidding him farewell.
WHY DO SOME NIGERIANS DELAY BURIALS?
According to The Guardian Nigeria, there is no cultural significance to the delays or prolonged preparations for funerals.
The publication reported that in some communities or villages (especially in the southeast), the members have to give an approval date for the burial. After that different groups and societies start making demands on things to be done or performed before they can grant that the burial be carried out.
The publication further revealed that sometimes it is the families of the deceased who make things difficult for themselves by trying to outdo others in the manner they bury their loved ones. Some only go through with the burial when they have constructed or renovated their houses.
However, this is in contrast to an article by Myend, which reveals that the magnitude of Igbo funerals depends on the age grade or the position of the deceased within their community.
The Igbo tribe (which Mr Ibu was a part of) have what they call ‘Ikwa ozu’ – which means “celebrating the dead” and is also referred to as the second burial. This ceremony may take place anytime from weeks to a year after the first burial. According to Igbo traditions, funerals are also a rite of initiation of the dead to the group of their ancestors. It is believed that if the Ikwa ozu does not take place, they will not be accepted by their ancestors.
