Yambio Court Jails Pastor,Traditional Sub-Chief Over Ban on Funeral Music

By Waure Eddy

A pastor and a traditional sub-chief in Yambio have been sentenced to prison for violating funeral regulations established several months ago by church leaders, the state government, and traditional authorities, which included a ban on playing music during funeral ceremonies.

The C. Court in Yambio imposed an eight-month prison sentence on Pastor Anthony, the head of St. Martin Nabagu Parish, for violating Article 17 of the agreed regulations that prohibit music during funerals. Pastor Anthony breached this law by allowing music to be played at the funeral of a fellow pastor who passed away last week.

Meanwhile, Ueko Badri, a sub-chief of Akorogbodi 2, received a four-month prison sentence for failing to enforce the regulations in his jurisdiction.

Additionally, the court suspended him from performing his duties for two months, with a future decision pending on whether he can resume his responsibilities.

In a statement to the Dawn on Wednesday, Aniye Michael, Payam Chief and Deputy Paramount Chief of the C. Court, emphasized that both individuals had violated the regulations agreed upon by the Church, the state government, and traditional leaders.

“Today marks the enforcement of these laws signed by all three leadership categories: the Church, the Kingdom, and the state government. It is unacceptable for church and local leaders to violate the very laws they helped establish. People must learn from this lesson,” he said.

Aniye expressed the intention behind these actions is to prevent future violations. “I urge everyone to ensure this does not happen again.

Let this be the last instance involving these two individuals. The law is serious and applies to everyone,” he added.

He stressed the importance of leadership in upholding the law, particularly for church leaders and local authorities, who are expected to set a positive example.

“The law originated with the Church and local leaders. It is unacceptable for those who created the law to be the ones violating it,” Aniye stated.

He assured that the implementation of the agreed regulations would proceed without discrimination or favoritism against anyone found in violation.

These regulations were established through a collaborative agreement involving religious institutions, government authorities, and traditional leaders to promote discipline and respect for community standards.

The C. Court reiterated that enforcement will continue, emphasizing that no one is above the agreed-upon laws, regardless of their position or leadership status.