In Igboland (Nigeria), Catholic couples who at the time of death are living in irregular marriages, i.e. without observing the canonical form of marriage (Church marriage) which is binding on all Catholics - these people are denied ecclesiastical Funeral Rittes. And this is so irrespective of any amount of attachment or remorse the person or persons may have shown while living (in accordance with c. 1184 CIC).

With the aid of the Code of Canon Law, the teachings of the magisterium, cultural as well as traditional arguments and relevant tools for the interpretation of Canon Law, the author has been able to prove and come to the conclusion that there is no legal, moral, liturgical or cultural justification for this denial. He calls on the Church authorites in Igboland to stop this practice which by the way is no longer practiced elsewhere in the universal Church so as to offer pastoral relief to bereaved families who look unto the Church for consolation at their time of grief.