Write a letter to the head of your traditional council
describing an
outmoded custom that must be
either reformed or discarded

                                                                                   Number 4 Alakija Close,

                                                                                   New Haven,

                                                                                   Enugu.

                                                                                   September 2nd, 2020.

Number 43 Ezemmuo Street,

Aluu-ulu Community.

To the traditional ruler, Aluu-ulu,

           DISCARDING OF SHAVING OFF THE HAIR OF A WIDOW

Igw! Good day sir.

I write to you with deep pains over the suffering the women in Aluu-ulu community over the years. It has been a custom in our community since I can remember to shave off the hair of widows as a sign of mourning which not only goes against their fundamental human rights but is morally wrong because this shaving is usually done without consent.

I know of a young widow that her hair was shaved against her wishes and because she resisted the evil exercise, she was accused of having a hand in her husband's death and was put through the more barbaric ritual of swearing before an 'oracle' that she was innocent of the charges brought against her. This is a grieving woman that needs all the moral support and encouragement she can get, but no, she was subjected to such sub-human treatment which was totally unacceptable.

Your highness, I strongly believe this custom of shaving the hair of widows in Aluu-ulu community should be stopped and discarded completely.

                                                                                            Yours sincerely,

                                                                                             John Thomas.