UK-Based Nigerian Man Calls Off Wedding After Being Given Bride Price of N3.5 Million

A Nigerian man based in the UK has made the difficult decision to call off his engagement to a Nigerian woman after her family presented him with an exorbitantly high bride price list. The man, who had initially met the woman through a WhatsApp channel created by Princess Adeola to connect singles, was deeply invested in the relationship, despite the challenges of a long-distance romance.

Princess Adeola, who is known for helping singles find love through her platform, shared the story on her X (formerly Twitter) handle, along with images of the bride price list. She explained that the bride price, which was intended to honor the bride’s family, amounted to a staggering sum of N3.5 million. The list included various items and cash payments, such as clothing, drinks, livestock, and contributions to the extended family. For example, the list detailed N15,000 for family youth, N5,000 for village youth, N20,000 for grandparents, and another N20,000 for stepfathers, among other demands.

The UK-based man had already made plans to take his partner abroad and fund her education, demonstrating his serious commitment to the relationship. However, upon receiving the bride price list, he was left distraught. The steep demands not only shocked him, but what hurt him even more was that the woman he loved supported her family’s position. She justified the high costs, citing the expensive living conditions in Nigeria, which further compounded his frustration.

Princess Adeola shared that the man had sought her advice about his relationship and had shown great devotion to the woman, despite the complications that came with their long-distance connection. He had even expressed his hopes of taking her overseas for further education. “He even sought my advice, and I encouraged him to go for it,” Adeola explained. However, the man’s feelings shifted drastically after receiving the bride price list, and the emotional toll was evident. He contacted Adeola, distraught and confused, as the woman he was planning a future with seemed to fully back her family’s demands. This left him questioning whether he was viewed as a financial provider rather than a loving partner.

In her post, Adeola discussed the painful conversation she had with the man. She emphasized that it wasn’t just the price tag that troubled him; it was the principle behind the bride price list. “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?” she wrote. This perspective suggests that the man felt the bride price list wasn’t just an honor for the family, but rather a commercial transaction that undermined the purity of his intentions.

The man also felt deeply hurt by the fact that his fiancée seemed to accept her family’s demands without question. Adeola’s post indicated that the man felt this was a sign of greed and a lack of understanding from the family. “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,” she stated, further criticizing the bride price system for its role in putting unnecessary financial pressure on relationships.

Eventually, after much soul-searching and emotional pain, the man told Adeola that he no longer wanted to pursue the relationship. He informed her that he planned to block the woman and move on from the situation. “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,” Adeola explained.

Adeola also expressed regret for the woman, suggesting that if she had a more understanding family or stood up for herself, she might not be losing a good partner. “I feel bad for the lady—if only she had a more understanding family and stood up for herself,” she wrote, pointing out that the woman may not even realize the magnitude of the situation and the loss she was about to face.

The story quickly gained attention on social media, sparking a broader discussion about the role of bride price in modern relationships. Many weighed in on how such traditions, which were once a means of honoring the bride’s family, can sometimes be seen as a financial burden. Some argued that while the bride price is a significant cultural practice, excessive demands can push potential suitors away, especially in today’s economic climate. Others sympathized with the man, pointing out that the large financial requirements may have seemed out of touch with reality, particularly when the couple had already shown a commitment to each other.

This situation also highlights the complexities of long-distance relationships, where cultural expectations and family pressures can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. While the man was clear in his intentions, his love and commitment were ultimately overshadowed by what he saw as a materialistic demand. This incident serves as a reminder of the impact that traditional customs can have on relationships, and how, in some cases, these practices may need to be reconsidered to better align with modern values and realities.