In a recent interview, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, the spiritual leader of Igbo land, articulated a pressing concern regarding the socio-spiritual state of the region, emphasizing the urgent need to address the issue of corpses being stored in mortuaries. He posited that the only viable solution to restore peace, security, and prosperity within Igbo land is to promptly bury the bodies that have accumulated in morgues. Ezeonwuka lamented that the Igbo people have developed a troubling habit of retaining corpses, which he believes not only disrespects the deceased but also has dire spiritual implications, particularly for the youth of the region. He contended that these wandering spirits, left unburied, contribute to a host of societal ills, including violence and crime, which plague the community.
At the core of Ezeonwuka’s argument is the belief that the presence of unburied corpses adversely affects the living, specifically the younger generations. He explained that these spirits, when left to roam free, afflict the youth, compelling them towards destructive behaviors and rivalries. According to him, the accumulating corpses distract young people from pursuing their potential, leading them into a cycle of crime and insecurity that threatens the stability of the entire community. Ezeonwuka’s assertions highlight a deep interconnection between the spiritual practices of the Igbo community and their societal health, raising alarms about the impacts of neglecting traditional burial customs.
Ezeonwuka’s critique extends to the environmental consequences of stockpiling dead bodies. He pointed out that this practice is not only spiritually harmful but also poses a significant health risk by potentially polluting the environment. Drawing parallels with earlier practices related to waste disposal, he reflected on a time when the community faced severe pollution from improperly managed human waste. He credited past political figures, particularly General Muhammad Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon, with taking necessary steps to improve environmental sanitation. He argued that, despite the negative aspects of their administration, they contributed positively by abolishing harmful sanitation practices, which now seem to be replaced by a greater offense—allowing corpses to fester in morgues.
Ezeonwuka’s call for action advocates for collaboration among community leaders, including church officials, traditional rulers, and politicians, in addressing the issues lingering in the treatment of the dead. He urged for a reevaluation of the community’s approach to funerary practices, insisting that timely burial should be prioritized over prolonged funerals. By stressing the importance of immediate burial, he hopes to mitigate the generation of social malaise stemming from spiritual unrest. He suggests that only by laying the dead to rest can the living find peace and heal the societal fractures that have emerged in recent years.
A significant part of his message relates to scriptural references. Ezeonwuka referenced teachings from the Bible, particularly from the Book of Numbers and Psalms, highlighting a theological perspective that underscores the imperative to separate the living from the dead. He contended that these spiritual guidelines hold timeless wisdom regarding the treatment of corpses and their relation to the health of the community. His statements emphasize a broader metaphysical framework where neglecting these spiritual practices has dire consequences not only in a religious sense but also through their manifestation in societal instability.
Ultimately, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka’s passionate plea advocates for a reconsideration of prevailing cultural practices surrounding death and burial within the Igbo community. He believes that the act of overcrowding mortuaries with unburied bodies hinders the spiritual and communal progress necessary for a thriving society. By calling upon all sectors of the community to act decisively in the swift burial of the dead, he aims to break the cycle of unrest and reinstate harmony within the region. His commentary serves as a stark reminder of the intricate ties between cultural practices, environmental health, spiritual well-being, and overall societal welfare, urging for immediate action to avert further decline in the moral and social fabric of Igbo land.
