An important cultural practice among the Nigerian people is the tradition of bride price, commonly referred to as “dowry.” A common practice that spans many ethnic groups and geographical regions is the age-old custom of allowing the groom to “pay” for his bride, or make payments and gifts to her family.
There are some states where the expected amount is much lower. But there are quite a few that have earned a reputation for high bride prices, it’s part of these states’ cultural values and social norms. Here we will go through six Nigerian states identified by Naijassador with high bride prices and the explanation for it.
1. Imo State
Imo State is a state in south-east Nigeria. It was created on 3 February 1976, although it was part of the old East-Central State, which was split into Anambra, Imo joined with Abia and later Ebonyi states. With its predominantly Igbo ethnic group, marriage is more valued among the Igbo because it is seen as something that happens between two families and not only individuals, as in most cultures. In addition, the bride price in Imo State is not a small business, huge amounts are usually involved including, money, livestock, clothing and jewellery down to traditional wine. The exact proposals can vary from community to community.
Still, the groom’s family is presented with a long list of demands – often extending over several pages – containing items for various family members. On the other hand, a high bride price is viewed as a representation of the groom and his family’s honour and seriousness — which signifies that they will be able to take care of the bride.
2. Anambra State
Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria also shares many cultural similarities with Imo State. Here the Igbo traditions are also strong, with family and social status matter just as much or more. Bride prices within Anambra are detailed and often include major cash charges, along with many gifts such as yam tubers, kola nuts, beverages and clothes. Often the process takes many hours, multiple ceremonies and negotiations. A high bride price is reflective of the groom’s ability to care for his new family, and it is a very important process in establishing acceptance and respect from the bride’s side.
3. Enugu State
The tradition of high bride prices is still adhered to in some southeastern states with significant Igbo populations, like Enugu State. Marriage is very important in Enugu and its people have the culture of seeing it as a major event in human life. A large amount of money, a few household items and some personal gifts for the bride’s family are what make up the bride price. The specific demands can be extensive, including ceremonial items and foodstuffs required for the traditional wedding rites. Traditionally in Enugu State, the bride price is a gesture that exhibits how highly the bride and her family are esteemed and ensures that the groom will care for his new bride.
4. Akwa Ibom State
The South-South region is the home of various ethnic groups which comprises Ibibio and Annang. This is a community that has very old, traditional marriage customs. The bride price in Akwa Ibom is usually very high, with considerable amounts of money and a long list of foodstuffs, clothing items, domestic appliances as well as various livestock. The process involves several staged negotiations as well as ceremonial presentations. The high bride prices in Akwa Ibom therefore demonstrate how the groom is capable of supporting his wife and her family, illustrating his financial capacity and readiness for marital duties.
5. Benue State
North Central Nigeria is where you would find predominantly the Tiv and Idoma peoples of Benue State. Each of these two groups showed clear cultural differences and they also have some sophisticated marriage practices. The bride price among the Tiv people tends to include “cash gifts alongside livestock and customary regalia such as woven cloths and beads. The Idoma people also generally collect high bride prices ranging in amounts of cash along with tubers of yam and goats or inside some cultural context other valuables. The high bride price in Benue State could be considered a way of showing respect to the family and the willingness of the groom to adhere to marriage and cultural values.
6. Cross River State
Cross River State in the South-South part of Nigeria is popular for several ethnic groups present there including Efik, Ejagham and Bekwarra. More of these communities have strong cultural aspects and marriage is the central puzzle. The bride price in Cross River is not child’s play; it sometimes involves huge sums of money, drinks and other ceremonial gifts. The Efik people in particular have a lengthy list that the groom has to obtain, certain traditional items he must wear etc. According to Cross River Law, if the groom has paid so much as a high bride price that validates his honour and commitment towards the bride’s family making the marriage legitimate and honorable.
Conclusion
Bride price in Nigeria is a multifaceted and culturally important tradition, it varies greatly from one state to another, even among similar ethnic groups. The incidence of high bride prices in states such as Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Benue and Cross River tend to mirror cultural norms or communal expectations which have existed for several generations. Though it is often frowned upon as an expensive ordeal, the practice has come to form a fundamental feature of Nigerian marital traditions — one that represents love, commitment, mutual respect and unity between two families.
Written by Sarah Aboje
