A UK-based Nigerian man has ended his engagement after his fiancée’s family presented a traditional bride price list worth approximately N3.5 million.
The list reportedly included a range of items such as livestock, drinks, clothing, and cash gifts, which the man found overwhelming. This development ultimately led to the cancellation of the wedding.
The story, shared by a social media user, Princess Adeola, on her X (formerly Twitter) account, has sparked widespread debate about cultural traditions that impose heavy financial burdens on prospective grooms.
According to Adeola, the man was deeply in love with his fiancée and had plans to bring her abroad and sponsor her education. However, he was devastated when she supported her family’s demands, citing the tough economic situation in Nigeria.
The man, who had been managing a long-distance relationship, sought Adeola’s advice before making his decision. He expressed frustration, likening the demands to “selling a child” and questioning the foundation of a marriage that begins with such financial strain.
Adeola explained, “This man truly loved his fiancée and had genuine plans for her future. But yesterday, he told me he was heartbroken after receiving the bride price list. He couldn’t understand why the woman he loved supported such demands, justifying them with Nigeria’s economic realities.”
In light of the situation, the man decided to call off the engagement, insisting that his willingness to invest in his fiancée’s future should have been valued above monetary expectations. He expressed concerns that such practices reduce marriage to a transactional arrangement.
The distraught man has reportedly resolved to cut ties with his former fiancée and move on with his life.
Adeola criticized the family’s excessive demands and the fiancée’s lack of understanding, saying their actions had cost them the chance to build a meaningful future together.
The incident has reignited discussions about balancing cultural traditions with modern realities in relationships and marriage.
