Marriage rites for men seeking to marry women from Imo State in Nigeria can be expensive, as the bride price there is among the highest in the country. While some parents may be flexible, many people still adhere to traditional customs and expect proper compensation for their daughters.
The bride price system in Imo State is characterized by its division into different components, resulting in a lengthy and intimidating list. Obligations must be fulfilled towards the bride’s mother, as well as other segments of the family and community.
Interestingly, Imo State is known for its emphasis on education, which influences the marriage requirements for educated women. In some cases, these requirements can become so burdensome that some women defy their parents and choose to be with their partners even if the men cannot afford the demanded bride price.
Overall, marital requirements in the eastern part of Nigeria, including Imo State, tend to be higher compared to other tribes with varying cultural practices.
Traditional Marriage List for the Family:
| No. | Items | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ego maternity | N1000 |
| 2. | Ego body cream, Lux soap, and a big towel | – |
| 3. | Ego ogo cherem | N50,000 |
| 4. | 20 tubers of yam | – |
| 5. | 20 sizable snails | – |
| 6. | Okporoko (stock fish, one big tray) | – |
Ibu or Ngwa Efere Nwanyi (Load for Bride’s Mother):
| No. | Items | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Forty tubers of yam | – |
| 2. | A tin of red oil (palm oil) | – |
| 3. | Two dried thighs of a goat (Ukwu and Ewu) | – |
| 4. | Morning rose powder | – |
| 5. | 25 bottles of pomade | – |
| 6. | Ten packets of sugar | – |
| 7. | Ovaltine – 2 big-size tins | – |
| 8. | Bar soap – 1 carton | – |
| 9. | Tablet soap – 1 carton | – |
| 10. | Tin milk – carton | – |
| 11. | Twenty-four loaves of bread | – |
| 12. | A bag of rice | – |
| 13. | A bag of tin tomatoes | – |
| 14. | Five to ten pieces of okporoko (stock fish) | – |
| 15. | Two pieces of Hollandis wrapper | – |
| 16. | 25 liters of kerosene | – |
| 17. | 2 bags of salt | – |
| 18. | Six crates of soft drink | – |
| 19. | 40 bulbs of sizable onions | – |
| 20. | Ego ala abo | N10,000 |
| 21. | Ego nfotu ite | N1,000 |
| 22. | Two big basins | – |
| 23. | Two family-size umbrellas | – |
| 24. | George material – 2 pieces | – |
| 25. | One rubber of groundnut oil (25 liters) | – |
| 26. | Blouse material – 2 pieces | – |
| 27. | Two head ties of high quality | – |
| 28. | A wristwatch | – |
| 29. | Two pairs of shoes | – |
| 30. | A big box | – |
| 31. | A lamp | – |
| 32. | A handbag (one or more pieces) | – |
| 33. | One or more pieces of Nigerian wax | – |
| 34. | Gold necklace and earring | – |
For Men (the Kindred):
| No. | Items | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 32 kola nuts or the cost price | – |
| 2. | 30 gallons of palm wine or the cost price | – |
| 3. | 3 crates of minerals | – |
| 4. | 2 cartons of Guinness – small stout | – |
| 5. | 2 cartons of Maltina | – |
| 6. | 10 crates of Star beer | – |
| 7. | Two rolls of Benson and Hedges | – |
| 8. | 32 heads of tobacco with potash | – |
| 9. | 4 bottles of Seaman’s Schnapps | – |
| 10. | Ego Mpatu Anya (Jealousy money, N1,200) | – |
| 11. | Ego Mkpotu (Noise money, N1,400) | – |
| 12. | Ikpo Onu Aku Nwany (Bride price, negotiable) | – |
List for First Daughters in the Family (Umuada):
| No. | Items | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2 bottles of Seaman’s schnapps | – |
| 2. | 8 packets of Benson and Hedges | – |
| 3. | 8 heads of tobacco with potash | – |
| 4. | 1 goat for Umunna (the kindred) | – |
| 5. | 2 crates of minerals | – |
| 6. | 1 carton of Maltina | – |
| 7. | 2 cartons of Star beer | – |
| 8. | 1 carton of Guinness – small stout | – |
| 9. | Gallons of palm wine or cash equivalent | – |
| 10. | 2 bottles of ground snuff | – |
| 11. | Lump sum (Ogbe Ego) N2,000 | – |
| 12. | 8 kola nuts or the monetary equivalent | – |
