Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the bride price customs in Mbaise, Imo State, following a viral video in which a young man claimed he was asked to pay ₦1 million as a bride price.
In a video response, Kanayo rejected the claims as an exaggeration and criticized the unfair targeting of Mbaise’s cultural practices.
“My attention has been drawn to a video circulating where a young man claimed he was asked to pay one million naira as bride price in Mbaise,” he began.
The actor, known for his outspoken views, explained that bride prices vary widely from family to family, even within Mbaise.
“I’ve lived in southeastern Nigeria, and I know that in 85% of communities, there is no fixed bride price. It differs depending on the family. In Mbaise, the amount varies, and I know that what could start as one million naira might even be reduced to twenty thousand naira. So don’t let anyone use this to malign Mbaise. I won’t stand for it!”
He emphasized that bride price traditions are a matter of negotiation and can change from family to family, even within the same community.
“Across the southeast, families have their own requests, and we should not let social media dictate or misrepresent Mbaise’s practices. I am a man of standing, and I won’t be swayed by misinformation. Mbaise girls are among the best wives you could have.”
Kanayo’s comments sparked a wider discussion about the cultural significance of bride price and the role of negotiation, with many supporting his view.
“Don’t listen to them, sir! They talk about what they don’t understand,” one comment read.
Others added: “And that ₦20,000, the family might decide to remove ₦500 only.”
“I’m not from Mbaise, but people really need to stop claiming that the bride price is too high.”
Bride price, they noted, is based on negotiation, and sometimes it ends up being as low as ₦1,000, highlighting that it’s not about buying a person but about the cultural significance of the marriage agreement.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ahotoronline.com
