Fight over Stephen Keshi's Burial Spot by Edo & Delta Families

The family of Stephen Keshi and that of his late wife seems to be at war over the final resting place of the former Super Eagle's coach. The Onyeogu Family Union Ukpologwu Illah, Delta State has stated, in categorical terms, that the remains of late former national team coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi will be buried at his ancestral home in Illah.

In a letter to the family of his late wife, the Aburime Family, made availabl, the union frowned at suggestions that the former Hawks of Togo coach be buried in Benin.

According to Vanguard, the Union's letter read, “The issue that has caused us much anxiety is the proposal by the Aburime Family that they wish their in-law, our son, to be buried in Benin.

“As it is in Delta State, Edo State including the Ewu Kingdom and indeed Nigeria, most men are buried in their hometown on their demise. 

“We wish to reiterate our demand as earlier stated at the meeting of 17th June, that our son Steven Okechukwu Keshi be buried at his house in his hometown Ogbe Onyeogu Ukpologwu Illah in line with his last wish before his demise.

"And this we must state is in conformity with Illah tradition, the Ewu tradition and the Chieftaincy institution which he willingly subscribed to during his lifetime,” the Ogbe Onyeogu family stated. 

“We believe that an issue of this nature needs no further elaboration as it is customary in Nigeria that most persons, particularly high profile personalities are buried in their hometown, to do the otherwise may portend some consequences in future going by the Illah culture and tradition.

"The recent internment of his colleague and friend, Shuaibu Amodu in Okpella, Edo State is a leading example,” the family stated.