By Lucky Isibor
The Catholic Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Bishop Donatus Ogun, has called on Esan traditional rulers and stakeholders to reform aspects of customary laws and practices that are no longer in tune with modern realities, especially harmful widowhood practices and high bride prices.
Bishop Ogun stated this during the launch of the book “Codes of Esan Common Laws and Practices,” as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary celebration of the Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), Uromi Catholic Diocese which held last Wednesday, 20 May.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Ogun stressed that culture, customs and traditions must remain dynamic and responsive to the needs of society, noting that traditions should not become obstacles to human dignity, justice and development.
According to him, “When people have a practice and they now call it tradition, we should find a way to see that this tradition is still relevant to modern times. Because if it is not dynamic, society will not grow.
“The Church is open to questions, and our tradition, to be alive, must be open to questions without fear. JDPCI has not come to take away culture, but we are asking: is this still leading people to progress? If not, let us look at how we can rejig it so that we can have true development acceptable to modern times.”
The Bishop, who described himself proudly as an Esan man, said the call for reforms should not be mistaken as an attempt to abolish Esan culture and traditions, but rather a move to preserve what is noble while discarding practices that undermine human dignity.
He specifically condemned harmful widowhood practices and called for the reduction of excessive bride prices, insisting that the girl child is not for sale.
“If something is practiced against widows and it is obsolete, please let us look at it. It is justice if a widow is happy. It is injustice if she is made unhappy,” he said.
Bishop Ogun further encouraged intellectual engagement with the newly launched publication, urging readers to raise questions and contribute to discussions on Esan customary laws and practices, while humorously adding that only those who purchase the book reserve the right to query its contents.
Also speaking at the event, the Onojie of Ogwa, HRH Zaiki Ehizojie, supported the call for reforms in Esan customary laws, noting that many of the existing laws were formulated centuries ago based on the peculiar realities of those times.
He said contemporary Esan society must now amend certain traditional laws to reflect present-day social realities and developmental needs.
According to the traditional ruler, Esan monarchs are not opposed to reforms, especially those aimed at promoting justice, peace and societal progress.
“Most of these laws were made by those who lived several centuries ago with the challenges of their time forming the basis of those laws. Today, Esan people must also amend some of these laws to align with modern day challenges,” he stated.
The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, also advocated reforms in Esan customary practices, particularly in areas concerning widows, gender-based violence and inclusion.
She commended JDPCI for documenting the laws and practices of Esan communities and officially unveiled the books at the ceremony.
Earlier in his address, the Executive Director of Uromi JDPCI, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, said the launch of the books was part of activities commemorating two decades of JDPCI’s work in promoting justice, human rights, peacebuilding and community development.
He explained that the publication Codes of Esan Common Laws and Practices documents customary laws and practices from selected Esan communities and reflects the organisation’s commitment to cultural preservation and the promotion of customs that uphold human dignity and social harmony.
Fr. Arhedo noted that the publication would serve as an important resource for policy dialogue, cultural reflection, research and future development interventions within Esanland and beyond.
“The publication reflects our continued commitment to justice, human rights, cultural preservation, and the promotion of customary practices that uphold human dignity and social harmony,” he said.
He added that the second publication, the Uromi JDPCI Legacy Book, chronicles the organisation’s journey, achievements, milestones and challenges over the past 20 years.
Fr. Arhedo expressed gratitude to God, development partners, donors and communities whose support and sacrifices sustained the mission of JDPCI over the years.
The event attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, civil society groups, security agencies and members of the public, who commended JDPCI for preserving Esan cultural heritage while encouraging reforms aimed at promoting justice, peace and development.