Drama as Mbaise Bride’s Family Demands ₦1 Million Bride Price
A traditional marriage ceremony took an unexpected turn when the bride’s family from Mbaise, Imo State, demanded ₦1 million as bride price, causing tension between both families.
The groom’s relatives, outraged by the high demand, reportedly protested in their native Igbo language, chanting:
“Anyị achọghị ịlụzi!” (We are not marrying again!)
Heated Debate Over High Bride Price
In Igbo tradition, a bride price is a crucial aspect of marriage rites, symbolizing the groom’s appreciation to the bride’s family. However, the ₦1 million demand sparked outrage, with many accusing the bride’s family of monetizing marriage.
The controversy reignites the long-standing debate over Mbaise’s reputation for demanding high bride prices. Some critics argue that these excessive financial expectations scare away potential suitors, making marriage difficult for women from the region.
Defending the Tradition
Despite the backlash, some cultural advocates maintain that a woman’s worth cannot be measured by money. They argue that the bride price is a symbolic tradition, and families have the right to place value on their daughters.
While some in-laws may choose to negotiate, others see such high demands as a deal-breaker, leading to wedding cancellations like in this case.
With bride price traditions varying across Igbo communities, the debate continues—should cultural practices be modernized to accommodate economic realities, or should traditions remain unchanged?
