Okene Anglican Diocese explains ‘ban’ on immediate burials

…Says resolution does not apply to all By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA — The Diocese of Okene, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has clarified its recent resolution setting a minimum two-week period before burial arrangements are concluded, saying the directive does not apply to families of deceased persons whose children are “truly incapacitated.

Clarifying the wording of the resolution, the Diocese said the Synod resolved that “a minimum period of two weeks be allowed to enable members prepare befitting burial programmes for their departed parents, and that members be assured that no evil consequence follows embalming.” In a rejoinder dated September 12, 2026, signed by the Clerical Synod Secretary, Venerable Godwin Omanyin, and Balogun Adinoyi Augustine, the Diocese said reports that the Anglican Church had banned immediate burials and imposed a two-week minimum timeframe did not accurately reflect its resolution.