The Anambra State Government has issued a stern warning to the family of Aghaji, specifically Emmanuel Aghaji, in Umuokwara Kindred, Amankwu Quarters Umuezeiyi village, Achina, Aguata Local Government Area, to desist from excluding the late brother’s widow, Mrs. Chinelo Aghaji, from participating in the burial of her late husband.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 22, 2024, by Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon. Ify Obinabo, the government’s action follows a report made by the widow alleging mistreatment and exclusion from family affairs after her husband’s death.
Mrs. Aghaji claimed that upon her husband’s demise, her in-laws forcibly took her two children and evicted her from their matrimonial home. Despite reporting the matter to their kindred for mediation, Emmanuel Aghaji and his siblings allegedly refused all attempts at a peaceful resolution.
Following investigations by the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, it was discovered that the in-laws had unilaterally scheduled the burial of the late Paulinus Chukwuduruo Aghaji without involving his widow.
In response, Commissioner Obinabo urged community members, president generals, and the local government transition committee chairman to stand by the widow and provide her with the necessary support to bury her husband. She also issued a stern warning to anyone who might obstruct the state government’s intervention by excluding the widow from the burial, stating that such individuals would face legal consequences.
The burial is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Achina. Notably, the obituary for the deceased describes him as a son, brother, father, uncle, and in-law, but does not mention him as a husband.
