The Fon of Nkwen, HRM Azehfor III, has made a strong decision by banning the consumption of sachet whisky and cigarettes during funeral ceremonies in his chiefdom. This measure aims both to protect public health and to reaffirm ancestral traditional values, according to the Fon's declarations.
The decision, announced recently, underscores the desire to refocus funeral rites on their cultural and community values. His Majesty Azehfor III believes that the use of these products during funerals constitutes a health risk and a deviation from ancestral practices. He insists that funerals should remain moments of reflection, peace, cohesion and respect for the cultural heritage passed down by ancestors.
In addition to these prohibitions, Fon Azehfor III recalled the traditional requirements that frame burial ceremonies. In particular, he specified that anyone participating in the digging of a grave must receive specific ritual elements, such as raffia wine, poultry and boiled corn. Through these prescriptions, the Fon hopes to encourage a return to the authentic customs of the Fondom and encourage young people to embrace this cultural heritage.
In his message to the community, Fon Azehfor III calls on everyone to preserve the cultural identity of Nkwen and to prioritize the values of solidarity. He urges residents to turn away from modern practices deemed harmful during traditional events, in order to strengthen the bonds that structure collective life. This initiative is part of a broader approach to valuing heritage and promoting social cohesion within the Nkwen chiefdom.
Back in 2022, Fon Azehfor III had already stressed the importance of peace for development during the Festival of Heritage Arts and Culture (FEHACU), inviting residents to adopt republican values to advance the Fondom.
