Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has weighed in on a widely discussed issue that has recently gone viral on social media. The incident, which took place in his hometown, Mbaise, Imo State, involved a groom’s family canceling a wedding after they were reportedly asked to pay a bride price of N1 million.
The news quickly gained traction online, with many people debating the fairness of bride price traditions in southeastern Nigeria. A video making rounds on social media showed a visibly frustrated family member from the groom’s side expressing anger over the high bride price demand, stating outright that they would not go ahead with the marriage under such conditions.
The controversy has since sparked a larger conversation about the cost of traditional marriage rites in Igbo culture, with some arguing that the amounts requested are becoming increasingly unrealistic, while others maintain that it is a matter of family customs and respect for tradition.
Responding to the ongoing debate, Kanayo O. Kanayo took to social media to defend Mbaise traditions, emphasizing that bride price in Igbo land is not a fixed sum but rather varies depending on individual families and the perceived value of the bride.
He firmly dismissed the generalization that Mbaise people demand excessive amounts for bride prices, asserting that such claims are misleading and unfair. He wrote;
“Bride price is relative in Igbo land and varies from family to family. It is also dependent on the value attributed to the girl… It is not peculiar to Ndi Mbaise.”
Social Media Reactions…
Following Kanayo’s response, social media users have shared their thoughts on the issue, with many offering their personal experiences regarding marriage customs in different parts of Nigeria. Some netizens agreed with the actor, while others shared mixed opinions based on their own encounters.
ihazamichael shared his experience, stating: “I am an Esan man from Edo State, and I am married to a woman from Awka North, Achalla. Before my marriage, I was worried because of the misinformation we see online. However, when I started the traditional marriage process, I realized it was actually easier than getting married from my own place. My father-in-law and my wife’s elder brother made everything simple. I didn’t even spend half of my budget. My friends and family were shocked, asking if we were really in Anambra or somewhere else.”
i_am_kingrussell01 commented: “You’re forever blessed, sir. Thanks for letting them know the truth.”
francisahamefuna praised Mbaise women, writing: “Absolutely correct. I am proudly married to an Mbaise woman, and I can relate. Very decent, respectful, and contented women are found in Mbaise. An Mbaise woman is not lazy, and she is not promiscuous. She will support you to raise God-fearing children. For peace and rest of mind, marry an Mbaise woman.”
darluchechima had a different perspective, saying: “Oga, marrying from Mbaise is not something I will ever dream of again. The one we did, we have been living with the regrets…”
chinasa_ruth_izuchukwu offered insight into Igbo marriage customs, writing: “What you said is the truth, sir. Bride price doesn’t have a fixed price. They may ask for N1 million, but in the end, they might take only N50 and return the rest to you because they are not selling their daughter off to you.”
As the discussion continues to trend on various platforms, many people are now debating the broader implications of bride price traditions and whether cultural practices should be adjusted to align with modern economic realities.
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