The Idoma traditional ruler, the Och’Idoma In Benue State, Elaigwu John, has simplified the act of marriage in his domain, by bringing down to N50,000, unified beside price.
The first class ruler, in his New Year message issued by the Chief Palace Scribe, Onuminya Odoba on Wednesday, January 3, stressed that the traditional bride price in Idomaland “is hereby unified and fixed at N50,000.
“All forms of stringent conditions, stipulations, and expectations associated with traditional marriage are hereby removed and prohibited.”
On burial of the dead, the Monarch, who until his enthronement was a Life Pastor, said: “Imposition of costly prescriptions, stipulations, and requirements on the bereaved family for the burial rites of a deceased person is hereby prohibited in Idomaland.
“Burial rites should be conducted within affordable means of the family and, as much as possible, concluded within two to three weeks from the date of death.
“The practice whereby relatives deny and deprive the children and wife or wives of the deceased of their right to inheritance of the deceased’s property is hereby prohibited.”
According to the statement, the monarch decided to reform “some self-imposed, barbaric, and harsh cultural practices” that make life difficult for the people.
It said that the Idoma Area Traditional Council made the reform after wide consultations with rulers, political leaders, and their subjects.
Source: The Punch.
