Imo State Parliament To Fix A Common Bride Price For All Indigenes

Citing the increase in the number of the unmarried youths in their communities, the Traditional Parliament in Nigeria’s eastern state of Imo, Owerri, passed its first resolution on the harmonization of bride price in all communities in the state.

The motion, entitled, “Motion on the Harmonization of the Marriage Institution in Imo”, was moved by Eze Duru Okwudor and Eze Obi II of Okwudor in Njaba Local Government Area alongside other traditional rulers.

Okwudor identified high pride price and difficulties involved in the process of traditional marriage as some of the reasons for a change in the system.

He noted that the behaviour of some parents and community leaders on the issue of bride price during marriage was a source of worry to young adults.

“What obtains in the marriage institution today leaves much to be desired. It is as if the parents want to sell their daughters. If this is allowed to continue it will translate into a big problem to our youths who want to marry,” he said.

Okwudor, therefore, listed the process by which marriage would be made less cumbersome and cheaper to both the family of the would-be bride and the bridegroom. The motion was seconded by Eze Ekperechukwu of Obowo.

However, Eze Ekwueme Ekwueme, the Ochia of Ohaji Ebgema, opposed the motion and urged the parliament to allow communities to decide on the bride price.

He said it would be out of place for the traditional rulers to decide for parents, who had spent much in training their daughters, on how much to collect for bride price.

Another motion tabled before the parliament was the motion on “The Presentation and Sharing of Kola nuts in Imo.”

The motion was introduced by Eze Okwara Echi from Nkwere Local Government Area and supported by three other traditional rulers.

Then the issue of speaking of Igbo Language compulsory in the state schools was raised.

Reacting, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri, noted that the motion on kola nuts would be deliberated upon by a committee that would be formed by the parliament while that on the speaking of Igbo Language would be reintroduced.

The highpoint of the parliament sitting was the formalization and conferment of the title of Owelle Gburugburu of Igbo land (Traditional Prime Minister of NdiIgbo) on Gov. Rochas Okorocha.

The motion for the conferment of the title was moved by Eze Obiefula, Ezedibia of Nekede, and seconded by Eze Onwuchiribeya Mmerenni of Umudibia in Owerri West Local Government Area.

They noted that the governor deserved the title considering his leadership qualities and achievements in the state in his one year in office.

Responding, the Governor thanked the traditional rulers for the award, saying that the title signified “a big journey that has just started.”

He pledged his unalloyed support to the success of the traditional parliament.



http://dailypost.com.ng/2012/08/17/imo-state-parliament-fix-common-bride-price-indigenes/

Abeg make una reduce that bride price. Imo girls too dey expensive

Reduction in bride price.

PRO:
- More women getting married.

CON
- Less emphasis on career pursuit for women, as family keeping will become a priority.

How much exactly are we talking about here?

With this now i can easily marry my girl without stress

Its not the duly elected Imo State House of Assembly, is it? So I don't think it's binding. Make una relax.

Emancipation of the Imo ladies in progress

Men are observing proceedings

someone should move this to the joke section. govt fixing a bride price? ? ? is this a joke or . .something?

Acidosis: someone should move this to the joke section. govt fixing a bride price? ? ? is this a joke or . .something?

I endorse this !

my maternal side of family comes from a notorious area for this high bride price issue.when i see my female cousins from my maternal side(most of them in their mid and late thirties) i just have pity for them because a lot of people are beginning to shy away from them on knowing the area they are from in imo state.something has to be done fast otherwise them go here am.i have told one of them that they(females) would have to be the one to liberates themselves and their female offsprings by protesting this nonsense but then again some of them actually promoted this high pride issue when they were younger like saying things like 'we are not cheap' whenever the this issue rose up in our family those days.i guess they are not beating their chests now.

This is long overdue.Igbo people and HIGH BRIDE PRICE...chei. .

It's so sad. Having the same problem with my ple. Though am not from the east. They want to kill the poor guy for me

How much dem dey sell them?

Ramcie: It's so sad. Having the same problem with my ple. Though am not from the east. They want to kill the poor guy for me

can't you try and convince your parents to prevail on this issue?what then is the essence of women liberation?

joejeezy: How much exactly are we talking about here?

1k tops. No, 872 naira. Will break down if U want. I mean apart from necessary formalities from the groom, like beer, Yam, clothes, kolanut and what have U, the real price should nt be more than 1k. The yorubas are free after the formalities. They give Back whatever U put in envelope, no wonder even an omo alata gets married on time. Imo, Ur time has come. Cheers. Women for 1 naira!

Igbo people and their greediness, what's the essence of selling out your daughter as if they wil not collect penny from their in law again....can't even dream of marrying an igbo lady, igbo gurls r so selfish and flirt.

Afrocatalyst:
1k tops. No, 872 naira. Will break down if U want. I mean apart from necessary formalities from the groom, like beer, Yam, clothes, kolanut and what have U, the real price should nt be more than 1k. The yorubas are free after the formalities. They give Back whatever U put in envelope, no wonder even an omo alata gets married on time. Imo, Ur time has come. Cheers. Women for 1 naira!

1k naira? Isn't that like $6-7?

Nnamdi have you seen that government has intervened? please come back and see my people. The list has been reduced, please come quick,before i hit 34.

asha 80:

can't you try and convince your parents to prevail on this issue?what then is the essence of women liberation?

hmm not as easy as you think. Have told him to do his best. Am the one getting married not them and if am okay with it no one should shout.

instead of fixing price, why not remove it totally while setting up requirements for the husband to be like;
having a steady legal source of income
must have had experience of feeding an extra mouth by himself for at least 3 yrs
must have at least a 2rm apartment

i support the elimination of bride price that has anything to do with raw cash.

Before nko...why wount our ladies be expensive...an igbo adage says dat ''ukwu bu ego'' so u must hav ur money to get a good tin

It may seem I am looking for trouble but that is d fact. The issue is not bride price but the fear of d fact that imo state girls don't close their legs. That is what should be addressed not a review of d bride price.

Tstark: How much dem dey sell them?

#1500

cyril83: Igbo people and their greediness, what's the essence of selling out your daughter as if they wil not collect penny from their in law again....can't even dream of marrying an igbo lady, igbo gurls r so selfish and flirt.

we dnt need poor people like u to marry our girls ok?

Wisegee: It may seem I am looking for trouble but that is d fact. The issue is not bride price but the fear of d fact that imo state girls don't close their legs. That is what should be addressed not a review of d bride price.

are legs meant to be closed?

Simply tagged-pay as u go bride...anywaz its abt time...but this is just too funny honestly

Acidosis: someone should move this to the joke section. govt fixing a bride price? ? ? is this a joke or . .something?

Shey this thing look like joke to you.

You see custodians of Imo culture discuss about the inability of their children to get married on time, you call am jokes.

Who you wan make e discuss traditional marriage wey no go be joke to you?

Ahhhhh....these people no serious ooo....after I don pay $1m finish.....my inlaw....can i get a refund.....I don over pay