A matchmaker who specialises in connecting males and females for relationship via her social media handle, Princess Adeola on X(formerly known as Twitter), explains how a Nigerian man living in the UK reportedly backed out of a marriage proposal due to an expensive traditional bride price list presented by the woman’s family.
The explains the man’s emotional challenges and how it affects cultural practices that might discourage potential suitors.
The bride price list, intended to honour the bride’s family, had sum of N500,000 as father’s bride price and mother’s, N300,000.
Also other cash requests of about N300,000 was also requested for siblings and family heads, aside a long list of items totalling N3.5m.
These items include drinks, livestock, clothing, and cash gifts for extended family members.
The man who was shocked by such requests, despite willing to take her soon to-be wife abroad and fund her education, was heartbroken to discover that the lady supported her family’s demands.
The man, who had been navigating the complexities of a long-distance relationship, had earlier sought advice from a social media influencer on his plans to marry her.
He said this is like “selling a child” and questioned how a marriage could begin under such financial strain.
He said that his intentions to invest in the woman’s future abroad should have been valued more than monetary expectations.
Princess Adeola wrote, “There’s this guy on my platform who met a lady here in Nigeria while he’s in the UK. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, he was committed to her.”
“He even sought my advice, and I encouraged him to go for it. But yesterday, he reached out to me, distraught, after receiving a bride price list from her family totaling N3.5 million.”
“We had a lengthy and emotional discussion. His pain wasn’t just the list itself but the fact that the woman he loves supports her family’s demands, claiming everything is expensive in Nigeria.”
“Why should anyone demand such an outrageous amount just for marriage? Doesn’t that set the tone for the man to treat her like he ‘bought’ her? It’s a shame, and I hope women learn from this. This man had genuine plans to take her abroad and pay for her education. Now, because of greed, the family has lost a good man.”
“He told me yesterday he’s no longer interested and plans to block her. He said he would cry, heal, and move on with his life. I feel bad for the lady—if only she had a more understanding family and stood up for herself. She’s about to lose a good man without even knowing it.”
