Family members deny making such demand
Anambra State Commissioner for Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue, and that of Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba, on Friday, 18th June, 2021, intervened in a case which trended on social media last week, where it was reported that a 34-year- old widow was being forced to drink her husband corpse bathwater to prove her Innocence in her husband’s death be the man could be buried.
The trending story which was erroneously published with the image of the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs, drew wide condemnation from the public.
People wondered why such wicked practice should still be allowed after being abolished in Igboland over the years..
While suing for peace, after listening to both parties, Lady Mezue pleaded with the family members to forgive each other, advising that whatever led to such outdated practice, should be settled amicably.
An elder brother to the deceased, Mr Friday Asomugha, who denied the allegations, explained that the statement was made out of anger by one of their relatives when the widow returned home for her husband’s burial without her four children, leading to angry outbursts and hot exchanges.
In a remorseful mood, some elders in the community, including the President-General, Ezike Chima People’s Assembly, Ihiala, Mr Pius Nwabuikwu and Mr Ossy Agums, confirmed that the burial went well without hitches or such archaic practices and with full participation of the widow, Mrs Chioma Asomugha.
While addressing his kinsmen, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Adinuba, who coincidentally hails from the community, appealed to both parties to desist from any act capable of soiling the image of the community and Anambra State.
He stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among families and communities for growth and development.
Lady Mezue later presented food items and beverages to the widowed mother of four.
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