COVID-19 pandemic preventive guidelines and protocols: How does this affect the Yoruba funeral rites in Nigeria

Abstract

Funeral rites are significant instrument used in expressing, reaffirming and reinforcing life after death among the Yoruba’ and its not just limited to burying the dead but involves a series of rituals that are performed prior to and after the burial depending on the circumstances that surrounds the death of the deceased, the religious affiliation and the community which the deceased belonged. This is usually marked by some form of celebration especially when the deceased is said to have lived a fulfilled life and died at a ripe old age. However, with the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent preventive guidelines and protocols outlined by the World Health Organization that are expected to be implemented by various governments all over the world including Nigeria, there are indications that the funeral rites may have been altered. This study therefore examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic preventive guidelines and protocols on the Yoruba funeral rites. In order to substantiate some of the claims presented in the study, primary data was obtained through in-depth interview from twenty (20) participants while participants were recruited through snow ball sampling method. Data retrieved was analyzed using the qualitative data analysis program ATLAS.ti version 8. Findings from the study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic preventive guidelines and protocols affects the Yoruba funeral rites in the areas of grieving and mourning, preparation for burial, funeral service and burial as well as burial ceremony.