In a decisive effort to protect public health and uphold cultural heritage, the strongest traditional societies of Nkwen, have banned the consumption of sachet whiskey and cigarettes at funeral celebrations in the community. This directive reinforces longstanding traditions while addressing modern health risks in urban communities.
The guidelines are established by the Kwifor and Tekembeng, two of Nkwen’s most influential traditional sacred societies. These bodies have long overseen funeral rites, ensuring ceremonies respect ancestral norms and prevent exorbitant expenses. Together with the Fon, HRM Azehfor III, they have codified a system that balances solemnity, cultural integrity, and fairness in Nkwen.
Under these regulations, grave digging is strictly assigned to the youth of the deceased’s quarter, in accordance with Nkwen customs. Families are required to provide proper twine ropes for lowering caskets, ensuring a safe, dignified and gentle burial. Traditional offerings during grave digging now include cooked corn mixed with groundnuts, palm wine, kolanuts, a fowl, and limited beer.
Detailed protocols exist for burials of men and women. For men, a “sanitary” setup allows a maximum of eight crates of drinks, three jugs of palm wine, five fowls, and food, while women’s rites at “Alung” include up to five crates of drinks, two jugs of palm wine, and food. During a woman’s burial, men at “sanitary” receive six crates of drinks, one jug of palm wine, and three fowls; women at “Alung” receive six crates, six jugs of palm wine, and food. Wake keeping is limited to 10 pm, and all quarters must routinely send wine to the palace according to the established schedule.
The institutions emphasises that funerals are occasions of reflection, unity, and respect for ancestry, not indulgence. The decree encourages residents to reject sachet whiskey and cigarettes and instead honour traditional offerings, promoting both cultural continuity and public health.
For urban Nkwen, success will depend on community engagement. Funeral committees, associations, and faith groups can model ceremonies aligned with these customs, while families adhering to the regulations could receive recognition, reinforcing social norms that value tradition and well-being. By observing these rituals, the community not only honours ancestors but also strengthens social cohesion and safeguards public health.
The decree no doubt represents a solution-oriented approach to harmonising culture, health, and urban life. Its effectiveness relies on collective responsibility, active participation, and respect for the established protocols that preserve Nkwen’s ancestral legacy.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices web
Tel: +237 694 71 85
