Grief Turns to Controversy as Umuada Group Faces Backlash for Demanding Tea and Bread at 26 Years Old Woman's Burial

A storm of criticism is brewing on social media following an emotionally charged post by Nenye Uzowulu, a Nigerian woman who took to Facebook to express her shock and dismay over what she described as the "insensitive" behavior of a women's cultural group at a young woman’s funeral.

The burial service in question was held on July 5, 2025, for Nweke Chidera Jennifer, a 26-year-old Nigerian woman whose untimely death left her family, friends, and community shattered. The tragic passing of such a young woman, reportedly unmarried and still in the early stages of her life, already cast a heavy shadow on the event. But what has drawn public ire was not just the loss itself, but how some mourners reportedly conducted themselves.

Nenye Uzowulu, who was present at the funeral, did not hold back her emotions as she shared photos from the ceremony. According to her, the Umuada group, a respected assembly of women known for their cultural and community engagement, was seen consuming bread and tea at the event. This act, in her view, was not only inappropriate but highly insensitive considering the age and circumstances of the deceased.

"A girl of 26yrs old d!ed prematurely. Not even married. Even thou… Umu Ada went there and be drinking tea. Kai! No single empathy,” Nenye wrote in a Facebook post that has since gone viral, sparking hundreds of comments, shares, and debates online.

Many Nigerians reacted strongly to her post, with a majority echoing her sentiments. Several users expressed disappointment in the women’s group, questioning the social protocols around mourning and what is deemed respectful behavior at such solemn gatherings.

For many, the controversy opens up broader cultural questions. The Umuada, typically composed of women born into a particular community who are now married and living elsewhere, often return for major family or community functions, especially funerals. They are traditionally seen as peacekeepers, organizers, and figures of cultural authority. However, critics argue that their presence at the funeral of a young woman should have been marked by a deeper level of empathy and solemnity.

Commenters on social media voiced concern that the behavior highlighted a generational or cultural shift in how funerals are treated. One user wrote, “It used to be that Umuada would cry the loudest at funerals. They would mourn with deep pain and organize in ways that brought dignity to the deceased. What happened to that era?”

Others called for introspection, noting that while eating at funerals is not unusual in Nigerian customs, timing and context are crucial. A 26-year-old woman, unmarried and likely with dreams unfulfilled, represents a different kind of loss that many feel deserved more respectful mourning.

Some defenders of the Umuada suggested that the photos may have been taken out of context. They argued that in many communities, refreshments are typically offered to all mourners, including organized groups like the Umuada, especially after they arrive from far distances. In their view, the backlash may stem more from optics and emotion rather than a genuine breach of tradition.

Nevertheless, this explanation has done little to calm the online storm. For observers like Nenye Uzowulu and others who were emotionally invested in the burial, the moment symbolized a lack of connection between tradition and compassion.

Local leaders and family members of the deceased have not publicly commented on the viral post, and it remains unclear whether any internal action will be taken by the Umuada group involved. Still, the incident has ignited a wave of reflection on how Nigerians mourn, how traditions evolve, and how communities uphold or neglect the emotional needs of the bereaved.

This is not the first time traditional groups in Nigeria have been put under the spotlight for behavior perceived to be at odds with contemporary emotional expectations. As social media continues to give individuals a platform to express their observations and critiques, cultural practices, long shielded from scrutiny, are now being reexamined in real time.

The conversation around Jennifer’s funeral may eventually fade from headlines, but it has undoubtedly opened wounds, sparked conversations, and placed a mirror before longstanding customs. Whether this leads to change or simply more careful image management by cultural groups like Umuada remains to be seen.