by GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE
BENIN — CONTROVERSY  has trailed the burial of the former  Chairman of the Independent National Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  Abel Guobadia slated for this weekend, as the Anglican Diocese of Benin was alleged to have refused to allow his burial in the church according to its rites and tradition.

But in a swift reaction to the rumours and allegations now making the rounds in Benin and causing misgivings, the Diocese said that it can only take part in the burial of any of its members in accordance with the wishes of the family.

In a statement  by the Diocese,  signed by Mr. Sunday Iyamu, Administrative Secretary of the Diocese, the Diocese said, “for the avoidance of doubt and in order to put the records straight, the Diocese has no reason not to assume responsibility for the burial of the late Anglican member and parishioner of the St. Matthew’s Cathedral if the family so desires and informs the church.”

“Let it be made plain that the Diocese only heard of his demise in the media and up till now has not been formally informed, neither has his parish, in accordance with laid down procedures.

“In spite of this, various groups in the Anglican Diocese, including the parish’s Priests of St. Matthew’s Cathedral and the Council of Knights as well as a delegation of the Diocese have paid condolence visits to the bereaved family,” the statement added.

“It is therefore unfair for any group to attribute the fact tat the late INEC Chairman is not being buried according to the Anglican tradition to the refusal of the Church to allow it.”

The Diocese stated emphatically that it can only partaken in the burial of any deceased member in accordance with the wishes of the family and therefore advises those in the habit of contriving and spreading matters of disaffection against the Diocese to fear God and stop such act forthwith.