The burial of renowned Ogene cultural musician, Igbo Jah, has sparked widespread outrage and emotional reactions on social media and within local communities, following reports and videos showing that he was laid to rest near a waste dump site in Enugu State.
The sight of his final resting place, located in an undeveloped and unbefitting environment, has left many Nigerians, particularly youths and music lovers, deeply disappointed. A trending video circulating online captured eyewitnesses expressing shock and sadness over the state of the burial site. Many questioned why a man of such cultural significance and musical impact would be buried in such a desolate location.
While some youths criticized Igbo Jah’s reportedly carefree lifestyle and financial recklessness during his lifetime, others defended the burial decision, stating that he was simply buried where he owned land. “Na where he get land dem go bury am. Being popular no mean say you get money,” commented a user, Onyeze O Onyeze, echoing a sentiment shared by many online. Another user, Chinwendu Inyamah Okorie, bluntly remarked, “He wasted all the money he got in flexing.”
Adding context to the situation, Benneth Ngwu wrote: “He lived a nonchalant lifestyle and where he was buried is where someone bought a land and dashed him. He wanted to sell that particular property for 40 million last year April before his demise.” Ngwu further criticized those passing judgment, urging: “Let’s stop saying what we didn’t know… The poster dat posted the video could at least buy a bag of cement which could have gone a long way.”
However, the burial site’s location in Afia 9, Ogui Nike, has raised questions among those unfamiliar with the area. “Sir, I doubt you know the particular place called Afia 9 Obiagu Ogui Nike? That’s a village-like township and majority of the land has been occupied… that’s Nkanu culture. The most younger should get property owned by them and kids. So you shouldn't conclude yet,” explained a user, Igwe Great, offering insight into local cultural practices.
Yet, not everyone is convinced. The construction of a skeletal structure at the burial location, which appears to have been hastily erected, has drawn suspicion. Many believe it was an attempt by the family to present the location as his personal residence, thus meeting the cultural requirement that a man be buried at his home. “It’s an insult to his legacy and an embarrassment to our culture,” one cultural commentator lamented.
Amid the outrage, confusion also surfaced. “It’s like I am the only one who is hearing about this Igbo Jah for the first time,” commented Ijeoma Okpala Ezennia, reflecting the generational and regional gaps in cultural awareness.
As the debate continues, social media platforms, especially Facebook, remain flooded with mixed reactions. While some express sympathy for the family, others are condemning what they describe as poor planning and a lack of respect for a man who significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of Igbo traditional music.
VIDEO: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMBqjLH4R/
Observers are now calling on cultural stakeholders, musicians, and community leaders to take steps toward supporting local artistes with retirement planning and welfare initiatives, to avoid such tragic outcomes in the future.
