A UK-based Nigerian man has reportedly called off his wedding after his fiancée’s family allegedly demanded a staggering ₦21.57 million for the traditional marriage rites.
According to reports circulating on social media and local news platforms, the man—who had plans to sponsor his bride’s education abroad—was shocked by the extensive list of financial and material demands presented to him by the family…….CONTINUE READING
What Was on the List?
The alleged ₦21.57 million bill reportedly included:
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₦3.5 million in cash for the bride price
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Boxes of expensive clothing
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Cartons of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
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Several goats and cows
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Separate gifts for various family members, including uncles, aunts, and village elders
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Payment for ceremonial activities and traditional rites
The man, disappointed by the response of his fiancée—who reportedly defended her family’s demands, citing the current economic hardship in Nigeria—felt the marriage was being reduced to a business deal.
“I was prepared to take her abroad, pay her school fees, and build a life together,” he allegedly told a friend. “But I can’t marry into a family that sees me as an ATM.”
As a result, the wedding was officially called off.
The incident has sparked heated conversations online, with many Nigerians divided over the traditional bride price culture.
Some users defended the family’s demands, claiming such lists are customary and negotiable. Others criticized what they described as commercialization of marriage, calling the demands unreasonable and exploitative.
“This is why a lot of young men are scared of marriage,” one X (formerly Twitter) user commented.
“Bride price is meant to be symbolic, not a financial death sentence.”
In many Nigerian communities, bride price is both a cultural and symbolic tradition. However, in recent years, concerns have grown over how some families use it as a way to cash in on marriage, especially when the groom is perceived to be financially stable or based abroad.
Marriage counselors have advised couples to communicate early and manage family expectations to avoid situations like this.
While traditions are important, stories like this highlight the growing tension between cultural expectations and modern relationship values. As more Nigerians move abroad and embrace new lifestyles, the question remains: Should bride price remain symbolic—or become a full-scale financial negotiation?
