Is bride price compulsory? Nigerian Twitter responds

Lonita

4 years ago

Twitter user @ebukameansgreat asked a question about ‘bride price’ (a sum of money or quantity of goods given to a bride’s family by the groom and his family) and the internet responded. He asked;

As a woman, do you think bride price is compulsory?
— Ebuka Means Great™ (@EbukaMeansGreat) June 23, 2020

Nigerian Twitter users poured out their hearts and shared their thoughts about the age-long African wedding tradition. Some of the responses were insightful so we just had to share. Check them out!

No! It has long moved from a symbol of appreciation to a money making venture. Charging as if they are selling off the child, then there's the annoying "bargaining". If I have my way,I'll scrap it,or both parties pay(bride price/groom price) I mean you are taking their son too. https://t.co/3bUgzz7Hob
— LazyBookJunkie (@LazyBookJunkie) June 23, 2020

Aside the usual "it's tradition" mantra,there is absolutely no other justification for it! I mean,we both love each other,we'll both support you guys,so why try to milk the poor man? It's annoying, Lord knows my partner and I won't collect a dime from anyone,just love our baby
— LazyBookJunkie (@LazyBookJunkie) June 23, 2020

Bride price isn't even the issue here but u see those long list that is usually drafted by Umunna (kinsmen), I don't understand there importance in marriage.
— Justin Kaycee???? (@kaycee_justin) June 23, 2020

As a matter of fact, i think it's totally not important.
— ❤Sonia_Gold (@SoniaGoldd) June 23, 2020

I honestly hate it
What does it mean?
Money to be shared by greedy uncles and relatives especially those that were never there for you
— Maria_Assy (@MhizzAssy) June 23, 2020

The culture and customs must be respected. It's not the sum but the statement of intent from the man to say that he can take care of the woman financially amongst other factors.
— Mobola (@Mowiththesauce) June 23, 2020

If men should pay bride price, there should be a groom price too. Balance it out. A woman is no more special than a man
— PowerPuffGuy (@Soft80906887) June 23, 2020

Yeah it biblical
— 7thSense? (@emmyrock12) June 23, 2020

Bride price shouldn't be debated. You know what should be scrabbed and ??? it's those kingsmen rites. Their sense of entitlement with the list ?.
— ThePrintGuru (@_Peace_Oluchi) June 23, 2020

It's not about "compulsory", it's about respect to her and her parents it is like a gift for love you found in their family.
— Ajimuda Bolade (@bolade81852831) June 23, 2020

I don't think 'bride price' is the tea here cos an insignificant amount is mostly accepted.
The 'List'…now this is the real tea!…but then again, what do I know?
Y'all keep smelling nice cos iSell exotic fragrances ✌
— Legion of Perfume and Peace✌ (@peacedovetail) June 23, 2020

What are your thoughts about paying bride price – is it necessary, is it just ‘activity’, should it be scrapped? We would love to read from you. Share your thoughts in the comments section.