One of the mores in Igbo land which have continued to be observed is the Mgbafu Mkpe rite. The traditional Igbo ceremony is performed after the death and burial of a woman’s husband. CHRIS NJOKU reports that the recent handover of Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu to her late husband’s family at the Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony in the Emeabiam Community in Imo State serves as a poignant ritual that symbolises the community’s support and care for widows during times of loss and transition
In some Igbo cultural areas, several customs and traditions are observed when a woman’s husband dies. In some circumstances, the widow is subjected to various horrid conditions if there husband’s relations suspect that their brother’s death was not natural. If they strongly holds the view that the deceased’s wife has a hand in his death, they would administer some oaths on the widow to prove her innocence in the death of her husband. In some extreme cases where the widow has no male child, she is relieved of her husband’s properties, which are inherited by the kinsmen.
Again, when a woman is married to a far place, and the husband dies, the relations of the widow would want the relations of the late husband to reassure them that the widow is still wanted and cherished. The traditional rite, in this case, is known as mgbafu mkpe rite which is performed after the passing and burial of a woman’s husband.
The Mgbafu Mkpe rite holds profound cultural and social significance in Igbo land as it serves as a poignant ritual that symbolises the community’s support and care for widows during times of loss and transition.
The traditional Igbo ceremony, performed after the passing and burial of a woman’s husband, embodies the essence of unity, respect for tradition, and the preservation of cultural heritage specific to the Igbo community.
Embracing tradition and unity
The Mgbafu Mkpe rite not only signifies the acceptance of the widow within the husband’s family but also highlights the community’s commitment to upholding age-old mores that define their identity.
Through the ceremony, the community demonstrates its unity and solidarity by coming together to honour and support widows to ensure that they are cared for and respected as a result of the loss of their spouses.
Preserving cultural heritage
At the heart of the Mgbafu Mkpe rite lays the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions that have been passed down through generations. This ritual serves as a testament to the values of family ties, respect for elders and the importance of community support in times of grief. By adhering to the customs, the Igbo community reaffirms its cultural identity and strengthens social bonds that have endured over time.
Connecting tradition to modern times
The Mgbafu Mkpe rite continues to hold relevance in contemporary society, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. As communities evolve, the ceremony remains a steadfast reminder of the enduring values of unity, respect and care for those in need. Its timeless significance resonates with individuals and families, emphasising the importance of honouring customs that shape their cultural legacy.
Transitioning with tradition
Against this backdrop of cultural significance and community unity, the recent handover of Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu to her late husband’s family at the Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony in the Emeabiam Community takes on added meaning.
In the serene atmosphere that enveloped Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Sunday, March 31, 2024, the traditional Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony unfolded at the late Chief BUB and Nneoma Dora Anyanwu’s compound in Umuikea Emeabiam. This symbolic gesture not only reflects the enduring traditions of Igbo land but also underscores the commitment of the community to support and care for widows through age-old customs.
The event marked a significant moment for Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN, CON), who passed away in December 2023.
A symbolic handover
Representing Umuegeolu Kindred, Elder Herbert Igbo facilitated the symbolic handover of Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu to the immediate younger brother of the late Governor, Prof. Wole Akeredolu.
Igbo said: “We must ensure Chief Betty is embraced and cared for as one of our own, in line with our traditions.”
Tradition and gratitude
Before the handover, the Akeredolus honoured tradition by presenting kola nuts, palm wine and a she-goat to the Umuegeolu Kindred, along with customary items to the Anyanwu family.
Prof. Wole Akeredolu expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating that “we are grateful for the support and understanding shown by our extended family and community during this challenging time. We will continue to uphold our responsibilities towards Chief Betty.”
Cultural significance
Chief Celestine Okoro, the Principal Adviser to the Emeabiam Elders’ Council highlighted the cultural significance of the Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony, emphasising its importance within the Imo State community.
Chief Okoro said: “This ceremony symbolises our unity, respect for tradition and commitment to caring for those in need within our community.”
Unity and respect
The presence of members of Umuegeolu family, Ndi Mgboto Emeabiam, Oha n’Ikoro Emeabiam and Babajide Akeredolu underscored the unity and respect shown during the ceremony.
Babajide Akeredolu, one of Betty’s sons said: “It is heartening to witness the solidarity and support within our community. This ceremony reflects our values and traditions, uniting us in times of both joy and sorrow.”
The Traditional ruler of Emeambia Autonomous Community, Eze Eunans Eke, Okpo 1 of Umuokpo told The Nation that the traditional rite is a long-preserved heritage.
He said that rite is an acceptance of the woman by her husband’s relatives after the burial of her husband.
“When a woman loses her husband, there is this tradition to let her people know that she has lost her husband. She visits her place (village) for Mkpe (mourning) or Azu Mkpe (after mourning) to let her people know that her husband is dead and that she is now mourning.
“The relatives or immediate relatives of her husband usually accompany her to such visit. What that means is that they want to know if where she is married to would accept her again after the demise of her husband. Somebody from her husband’s place would follow her on that journey to identify that she is truly their wife and that even though her husband is late, somebody will have to stand out to accept that she is still our wife and I would continue from where her late husband stopped. This is one of the significances of that matter.
“So, usually in Igbo land, it is called Isi Mkpe, maybe somebody from her husband’s place will stand out to say I am taking her back from where my brother stopped. I will be taking care of her, she is in good hands. This is the reason these things are done.”
Continuing, he said: “In that arena, usually, there are representatives of the woman’s family, there are also representatives of where she is married to. They will be there where public questions would be asked from the woman’s relatives.
Jokingly, he said: “Now that our daughter is here, we will not allow her to go back to her late husband’s place. Who is going to take care of her, we are taking her, we would allow her to go back there again and then someone from the husband’s place will say no she is still our wife, we still need her, we are here to take her back, we are going to take care of her and we will take care of every of her responsibilities. This is how it is spelt out. Questions are asked and positive answers are given.
“However, if the woman has been a torn in their flesh, if the woman has not given them peace, if the woman is a pain, they don’t want her again; maybe the death of her husband has become a leeway to send her away. In such circumstance, they would tell you to take her back; we don’t want to marry her again.
“But, in this case, the husband’s brother came to say we need her, she is still part of us and I stand to say I will continue from where my late brother has stopped. I will take care of her.”
He described the outing as very successful. “As far as I’m concerned, it was successful and positive.
The royal father, therefore, advised: “There is no perfect marriage or perfect relationship. The man who married her would have endured a lot of things while he was alive. They would not have told anybody what they had passed through. As long as she has lived with her husband for more or closer to 40 years, I think they should tolerate her and she should tolerate them also and as much as the man loved her all these years, they should accommodate her.”
Elder Richard, another member of the kindred, explained that Mgbafu Mkpe serves as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural heritage and traditions that bind communities together.
He said through rituals and ceremonies such as these, “the essence of unity, respect and care for widows is preserved, ensuring that customs are upheld and cherished for generations to come.”
He said: “The community’s commitment to honouring its traditions and supporting those in need remains a cornerstone of its identity and strength.”
