List of States with Most Expensive Bride Price in Nigeria
- The bride price is an important aspect of the traditional marriage ceremony in Nigeria and most African countries
- It is believed to show the commitment and capacity of the groom to take good care of the bride which he has come to take for a wife
- In this article, Legit.ng listed the state with most expensive bride price across the 36 states of the federation
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Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events
The payment of the bride price by the groom and his family is compulsory for formalising the union between the man and woman.
Bide price part of the African culture and tradition for marriage in Nigeria regardless of the tribe.
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As reported by Vanguard, below is the list of the most expensive bride prices in Nigeria.
- Imo state
Getting married to a Mbaise lady from Imo state is amongst the most expensive in Nigeria.
The Mbaise people are found in three local government areas (Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, and Ezinihitte Mbaise) in Imo state.
This is so because of the several components that make up their traditional marriage list, or Ime Ego in Igbo.
The traditional marriage rite involves multiple steps before a Mbaise lady can become someone else's wife.
The last step in the marriage process is the list which contains several items.
It will take up to a million naira in presently day Nigeria to get the items on the marriage list.
- Adamawa state
The second state on this list is Adamawa state in North east Nigeria.
The Bororo, a subgroup of the Fulani ethnic group makes huge demands before giving their daughters out in marriage.
According to the Bororo tradition, the groom is required to provide livestock, specifically cows, as part of the bride price.
The demand for livestock is influenced by their livestock and pastoral lifestyle, where cattle represent wealth, status, and sustenance.
Depending on the family’s status, the bride’s background, and the negotiations between the two families the number of cows demanded can vary significantly.
This decision makes bride prices among the Bororo tribe very expensive as the market value of cows in Nigeria is not for the poor.
The livestock demand varies ranging from 10 to 50 cows depending on the family’s status, the bride’s background, and the negotiations between the groom and bride's families.
- Rivers State
Representing the south-south are the Okiriika, Ikwerre, Kalabari, and Ogoni people.
Their bride price is one of the most expensive states in Nigeria.
The marriage process involves multiple steps, with the bride price being an integral part of formalising the union between the bride and the groom.
The groom is expected to provide monetary payments, and material items and pay for the bride’s family lineage (called “ame nda”) and various traditional rites.
Adding to the cost and complexity are gifts for extended family members and even community elders in some cases.
It is seen as a rite of passage that cements familial bonds and demonstrates the groom’s capability to provide for his new family.
- Akwa Ibom State
The Annang and Ibibio people in Akwa Ibom state complete the list of the most expensive bride prices in Nigeria.
They are known for their rich cultural traditions, particularly regarding marriage and the payment of bride prices.
The marriage list which includes the payment of bride price is almost 4 pages long.
The monetary aspect varies significantly depending on the families involved in the marriage.
The list is accompanied by ceremonial gifts and community involvement, which can further escalate the costs.
“Why returning bride price is wrong”
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man took the opportunity to discuss with a bride’s family the ethical implications of returning the dowry, a practice he deemed inconsistent with biblical teachings.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the tradition of paying the dowry, arguing that it is a crucial aspect of the marriage process that should be respected.
Drawing from his own life as an example, he shared that when his daughter got married, he accepted the dowry without any intention of returning it.
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Source: Legit.ng
