A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) has ignited heated discussions after a UK-based Nigerian man reportedly called off his wedding due to an outrageous bride price list totaling ₦3.5 million.
The man, whose name remains undisclosed, had been in a committed long-distance relationship with a Nigerian woman.
Despite the challenges that come with such relationships, he was determined to make it work and had already planned to bring her to the UK for further studies after their marriage.
However, things took an unexpected turn when the woman’s family presented him with the staggering bride price demand.
According to a social media influencer who shared the man’s story, the bride price list was presented as part of the traditional marriage process.
What made the situation even more disheartening for the man was that his fiancée appeared to support her family’s demands.
She reportedly justified the list by citing the high cost of living in Nigeria, an argument that left her fiancé feeling both betrayed and undervalued.
In his conversation with the influencer, the man expressed his deep frustration, likening the demands to "selling a child."
He questioned the morality of beginning a lifelong union with what he perceived as financial exploitation.
For him, the emphasis should have been on building a future together, especially since he was willing to invest in her education and support her dreams.
The influencer, who had initially advised the man to pursue the relationship, shared his own disappointment over the turn of events.
In a heartfelt statement, he 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 ₦3.5 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.”
The story has since gone viral, sparking widespread debates about the cultural practice of bride price and its impact on modern relationships.
Many social media users have criticized the exorbitant demands, arguing that they place unnecessary financial burdens on men and reduce marriage to a transactional arrangement.
One user wrote, “This is exactly why some men opt for foreign partners.
How can anyone justify demanding ₦3.5 million just to get married?
Marriage should be about love and partnership, not extortion.”
Another user commented, “The family is short-sighted.
This man was ready to change their daughter’s life and invest in her future.
Now they’ve lost him over immediate financial gain.”
The practice of bride price, deeply rooted in Nigerian tradition, is meant to symbolize respect and appreciation for the bride’s family.
However, critics argue that it has evolved into a form of exploitation, with some families using it as an opportunity to demand exorbitant sums.
Supporters of the tradition, on the other hand, maintain that bride price is an important cultural ritual that should be upheld.
They argue that it reflects the value placed on women and serves as a symbol of the groom’s commitment to his bride and her family.
Still, cases like this have fueled calls for reform, with many urging families to adopt a more reasonable approach.
Several commenters have highlighted the emotional toll that such demands can take on relationships.
For the UK-based man, the financial aspect was only part of the problem.
The deeper issue, he revealed, was the lack of support from his fiancée, who he felt should have advocated for a more balanced approach.
This sense of betrayal ultimately led him to reconsider the entire relationship.
The influencer’s post also shed light on the pressures faced by women in such situations.
For many brides, defying their families’ demands can be a daunting task, as it risks straining familial relationships.
However, as one commenter noted, standing up for fairness is crucial to building a strong foundation for marriage.
“Marriage is a partnership,” the commenter wrote.
“If a woman cannot stand up to her family now, how will she support her husband when challenges arise in the future?”
The incident has also sparked discussions about the broader implications of cultural practices on modern relationships, particularly for Nigerians living abroad.
For many diaspora Nigerians, balancing traditional expectations with modern values can be a delicate task.
This story underscores the need for open communication and mutual understanding between couples and their families.
As the debate continues, the UK-based man’s decision to walk away from the relationship serves as a cautionary tale for others facing similar situations.
While he expressed heartbreak over the outcome, he also acknowledged the importance of prioritizing his own values and well-being.
“I will cry, heal, and move on with my life,” he reportedly said.
His words resonate with many who have faced difficult decisions in the name of love and self-respect.
For the bride and her family, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of placing monetary value above meaningful connections.
As one commenter aptly put it, “In trying to gain the world, they have lost something far more valuable—a good man who truly cared.”
The story continues to generate reactions across social media, with some users calling for a reassessment of traditional practices that no longer align with contemporary realities.
Others have emphasized the importance of finding a middle ground that respects cultural heritage while fostering healthy, equitable relationships.
In the end, this incident highlights the evolving dynamics of love, culture, and modern relationships.
It serves as a powerful example of the challenges faced by couples navigating the intersection of tradition and modernity, and the importance of prioritizing love, respect, and understanding in building lasting unions.
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