A bitter dispute has unfolded within the Orlu family over the final resting place of the late chief Godson Orlu, with his widow, Mrs. Philomena Orlu, making a heartfelt appeal to the Rivers State government and the nation at large to intervene and ensure her husband receives a dignified burial.
The saga began four years ago when the mortal remains of Chief Godson Orlu mysteriously vanished from the mortuary on the day of his scheduled burial, leaving his family in a state of shock and grief. Mrs. Orlu, who was the last wife and present with her husband before his passing, recounted the harrowing tale, stating that the circumstances surrounding her husband’s burial had brought untold hardship upon their family.
Narrating the distressing events, Mrs. Philomena Orlu revealed that her husband had passed away in 2019, and his body had been placed in the mortuary. However, when preparations were made for his final farewell in October 2020, the family was confronted with the shocking news that the body had vanished. She expressed frustration at being advised to settle the matter internally and described the turmoil the situation had caused within the family.
Adding a new layer of complexity to the situation, it came to light that Chief Orlu’s eldest son had taken custody of his father’s body and was determined to proceed with the burial, despite an ongoing legal battle. The family was torn between differing views on how to proceed with the final rites.
Lucky Etchemati, the traditional ruler of Rumuworlumejuru Obaziolu, Nkpolu, Wororukwu in Port Harcourt city, voiced the community’s stance on the matter. Etchemati declared that the planned burial was considered illegal by the community and urged the court to facilitate the return of the deceased’s remains. He emphasized the need for a proper burial in accordance with traditional customs and expressed that the community’s decision was unanimous.
Amidst the turmoil, two family members, Mr. Amadi and Mr. Eze, stood as advocates for a judicial resolution. They insisted that the burial should not proceed until the court had deliberated and made a decision. They recounted their efforts to convene a meeting among the deceased’s children, urging them to unite and plan the burial according to the Ikwerre tradition. However, disagreements within the family led them to believe that the court’s intervention was the only viable path forward.
An elder within the family also spoke out, highlighting the need for unity among the children of the first wife. He lamented the court’s involvement but acknowledged its necessity given the family’s inability to reach a consensus.
Despite efforts to gather insight from Mr. Owhonda Orlu, the son of the deceased’s first wife, he remained silent, leaving many questions unanswered.
As tensions rise and legal proceedings continue, the fate of Chief Godson Orlu’s final resting place remains uncertain. The plea from Mrs. Philomena Orlu to the Rivers State government and the nation to ensure a befitting burial for her late husband underscores the depth of the family’s anguish and the urgent need for resolution in this complex and emotionally charged dispute.
