Ex-deeper life pastor-turned-monarch prohibits expensive funerals, pegs bride price at N50k

The paramount ruler of the Idoma nation in Benue state, the Ochidoma, His Royal Majesty Elaigwu John, said there would be no more expensive burial ceremonies in the land.

The monarch added that N50,000 is now the unified traditional bride price to be paid for a wife from the tribe, The Punch reported.

Idoma Monarch has reformed some cultural practices that make life difficult for his people.

“Imposition of costly prescriptions, stipulations, and requirements on the bereaved family for the burial rites of a deceased person is hereby prohibited in Idomaland.

“Burial rites should be conducted within affordable means of the family and, as much as possible, concluded within two to three weeks from the date of death.”

This was contained in his New Year message issued by the Chief Palace Scribe, Onuminya Odoba on Wednesday, January 3.

According to the statement, the monarch decided to reform “some self-imposed, barbaric, and harsh cultural practices” that make life difficult for the people.

The monarch, an ex-Deeper Life Pastor disclosed that the Idoma Area Traditional Council made the reform after wide consultations with rulers, political leaders, and their subjects.

The reform also outlawed: “The practice whereby relatives deny and deprive the children and wife or wive of the deceased of their right to inheritance of the deceased’s property is hereby prohibited.”

Speaking on marriage rites, the monarch said: “Traditional bride price in Idomaland is hereby unified and fixed at N50,000.

“All forms of stringent conditions, stipulations, and expectations associated with traditional marriage are hereby removed and prohibited.”