In the nature of a Nigerian, it's typical how much value is attached to burial rites, most especially in erecting a befitting grave for the dead. Where I recently visited is never an exception Edumoga a village in the interior part of Benue state which is dominated by the Idomas who are the second majority in the state. Despite the bad nature of the road, I made my way to the place.
Ancestors are those elders who lived their lives in examplary ways for the young generation and considered to be great men, warriors, leaders, oracle consultant and other unique ways. Their spirits are pure for they are believed to have just transcended to the spirit realm to keep watch over their people. They are being consulted in times of tribulations and afflictions. Their words form the rules of the village or community.
Statures are built to immortalize people who have been found worthy by the people. They're remarkable events that occurred in time memorial with impact and purpose for ages to come. This is the universal idea behind erecting stature.
It is a custom to the beliefs in the African Traditional Religion that an ancestor be buried in a way he had prescribed or befitting for the life he has lived.