No Okrika Man Is Buried In Kalabari Land — Asari Dokubo Speaks On Niger Delta Burial Traditions

Niger Delta activist and traditional ruler Asari Dokubo has spoken about the burial customs of different ethnic communities in Rivers State, emphasising that each group buries its dead in its own ancestral land and that this practice has been maintained across generations. Dokubo, who shared his remarks in a video posted on Facebook on Monday, March 23, 2026, said the tradition reflects a deep connection to lineage and cultural heritage rather than an attempt to create divisions among communities in the region.

Dokubo used specific examples to illustrate the point, noting that different ethnic groups in the Niger Delta have always observed clear boundaries when it comes to where their dead are laid to rest. He explained that families typically take their loved ones back to their ancestral homes for burial as a way of honouring the legacy of past generations and maintaining a sense of belonging tied to their roots.

In his words, Dokubo said, “I have never seen an Okrika man buried in Kalabari, or an Ikwerre man buried in Kalabari land.” He used the remark to highlight the cultural distinctions that exist among the various ethnic groups in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta, stressing that these practices have been observed for generations and remain an important part of how communities define themselves and honour their dead.

Rivers State is home to several distinct ethnic groups including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Okrika, Kalabari, and many others, each with its own language, customs, and traditions. Burial practices in the Niger Delta carry deep spiritual and cultural significance, and the question of where a person is buried is often tied to identity, land ownership, and ancestral claims. These customs have occasionally become flashpoints in local disputes, particularly in a region where land, resources, and ethnic identity are closely linked to political power and community standing.

Dokubo was careful to note that the burial traditions he described are not meant to fuel hostility between communities. He called on people to respect the customs of others, especially given the sensitivity surrounding death and funeral rites. While advocating strongly for the preservation of cultural identity, he also stressed the importance of unity among the diverse ethnic groups of the Niger Delta, arguing that differences in tradition should not prevent peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

As Rivers State continues to navigate the complex dynamics of ethnic diversity and cultural preservation, Dokubo’s remarks serve as a reminder that understanding and respecting local customs remains essential to maintaining harmony in one of Nigeria’s most diverse regions.