By Emeka Esogbue
The Committee for the burial of HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Omu of Anioma has been announced the date for the celebration of rites of passage of the late Omu.
The Committee, in a press statement released to the general public on Monday in Okpanam, Delta State, signed by the Committee Chairman, Hon Barr Bridget Anyafulu, and Dr. Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor, Chief Mourner/ Co-Chairman, noted that the rites of passage of the late Anioma Queen Mother would hold from 24th to 27th April 2024.
The release read in part, “The burial committee of HRM, Obi Martha Dunkwu, wishes to inform the public that the celebration of the passage of Omu Anioma comes up from 24th – 27th April 2024.”
“The burial will involve both traditional burial rites and Night of Tributes/Farewell.
While the traditional rites will take place from 24th-25th April 2024 at the Dunkwu Family
Compound, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State,” as contained in the press statement.
“The Night of Tributes and Memorial Farewell is from 26th-27th April 2024 at Omu Palace, Okpanam.”
“More details on the specific time for the traditional burial rites and Night of Tributes/Memorial Farewell will be communicated in due course,” the Committee assured the general public.
Also worthy of note is the dress code emphatically stated in the press statement.
“It is emphasized that the Omu Anioma represented purity, and so, the dress code for the events will be all white including the traditional Akwa-Ocha of the Anioma people.”
Recall that HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Omu of Okpanam/Anioma and Nneoha passed away on February 15, 2024, in her hometown, after a brief illness.
The 21-man Burial Committee with its members drawn from different communities of Anioma, wishes all guests and dignitaries a safe journey to and from Okpanam, venue of the celebration of the passage of Omu Anioma.