The House of Representatives has listed a series of cultural traditions it will outlaw, especially those infringing on the fundamental rights of widows in Nigeria.

They include preventing in-laws from taking over possession of property belonging to the late husband and forced marriage between a widow and her deceased husband’s brothers.

The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act Amendment Bill, 2021, which is awaiting second reading at the House, specifically lists and defines the cultural practices, some of which are considered as mourning rites that must be performed by a widow.

Blaze Fm