Traditional Ruler of Operemor Kingdom restricts night burial, funeral activities in December, Indecent Dressing, others

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The Traditional Ruler, His Royal Majesty King (Dr) Ekioemi Oweiagbe John “Gbesa 1” Ebenana-owei, of the Operemor Kingdom of Burutu LGA, Delta State has issued a series of decrees aimed at preserving the kingdom’s cultural heritage and promoting peace among its residents.

The decrees, made after a meeting with council members and community leaders on July 26, 2025, included restriction of night burial, restriction of burial activities during December month, Declaration of Three Days Festival ceremony in the kingdom During December Month, Approval of Cultural Activities by the King and other key decisions.

The king who signed the decrees in a letter to his constituent communities and subjects said the disbandment of night burial and among other decisions were made for the purpose of peace, security and harmony of the people of the kingdom.

The statement read, “I write to formally notify you of the outcome of the Ebenanaowei-in-Council meeting held on the 26th day of July, 2025, at the King’s Palace, Kingdom Headquarters, Ojobo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Decrees included,
” No More Night Burials: Effective January 1, 2026, all burials in the Operemor Kingdom must be concluded by 7:00 pm.

” No Burials in December: Except in cases of emergency, no burials will be allowed in December, starting from 2026, to enable residents to prepare for the new year and participate in festivities without added expenses.

“Annual Cultural Festival: A three-day cultural festival and thanksgiving will be held annually in December to promote the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and unity.

“Cultural Activities Under Royal Control: The Ebenana-owei will have absolute control over cultural activities, and individuals or groups must seek approval before organizing any cultural events.

“Indecent Conduct Outlawed: The kingdom has outlawed indecent dressing and same-sex activities, with offenders facing punishment and possible prosecution”.

According to the king, these decrees are part of efforts to preserve the kingdom’s cultural values and promote peace and harmony among its residents.

The monarch further stated, “it is hereby observed with great concern the modern trend of indecent dressing and unnatural sexual activities of our youths which is becoming a disturbing trend within the Kingdom, thus, a violation of the cultural values of the Operemor Kingdom and the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is hereby decreed that such conducts are outrightly outlawed in Operemor Kingdom, and community leaders are hereby enjoined to take all necessary steps to ensure such indecent acts and dressings are not allowed in any community within the Kingdom and offenders shall be given appropriate punishments, and where possible, be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution”.

Speaking about enforcement, the traditional ruler said the Decrees and Proclamations shall be observed and enforced within all the Eleven (11) Constituent Communities of Ojobo, Bolou-Ojobo, Akorugbene, Bolou-Ndoro, Ebeberegbene, Egolegbene, Ekogbene, Ekumugbene, Abadiama, Egrangbene and Orugbene amongst other numerous satellite settlements within the Kingdom.

“It is hereby directed that, the Amanana-owei and CDC Chairman are hereinafter duty bound as a matter of necessity to give effect to this proclamations and decrees and give them the widest publication it deserved and report to the Council cases of non-compliance and genuine concerns raised within your community”, he added.