Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Indiscriminate Burials on Property Transactions in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Throughout history, almost all societies have employed different practices of disposing off the dead and one such form is cemetery or burial ground. In the western part of Nigeria, tradition demands that chiefs are not buried in public cemeteries but in secret locations preferably at home.  However, this practice have been flawed and currently, not only chief are buried at home but anybody.  Corpses are now buried indiscriminately in homes, front and back gardens without any recourse to the effect this practice have on the environment. .

In view of the foregoing, the study delved into the socio-economic and environmental impact of indiscriminate burial within residential neighbourhood on property transaction in Ado- Ekiti, Western Nigeria. Questionnaire were structured and administered on tenants, landlords, government officials and professionals alike. Stratified sampling technique was adopted in that the city of Ado-Ekiti being the state capital was found suitable and was subsequently divided into the twelve political wards.  Two Hundred and Fifty (250) questionnaire were administered. Emphasis was played on buildings with evidence of tomb. Research findings proved that this practice was rampant especially in the core of the city and that no official (Planned) cemetery could be identified. The study identified the following demerits: environmental degradation; difficulty in land acquisition for public use; property devaluation; spiritual and psychological disturbance. Some of the coping measures suggested include: need for official provision of cemetery by government agencies, religious bodies and social organizations; need to enact enabling laws; public enlightenment and appeals and government at various levels to be more involved in the provision of mass housing to aid easy implementation of basic environmental laws among others

Keywords: burial-ground, environment, indiscriminate, property value, socio-economic.