Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has stirred controversy with a statement urging men to stop paying bride price for women who are not virgins. Taking to social media on Sunday, Omokri argued that both African traditions and biblical teachings originally tied the payment of bride price to a woman’s virginity.
Citing cultural and scriptural references, Omokri claimed that modern interpretations of bride price have deviated from their original intent. He insisted that demanding money or material wealth for women who are not virgins amounts to extortion—not tradition.
“In African culture and Jewish tradition, bride price was a symbolic payment made to the bride’s family, specifically in recognition of her virginity,” Omokri wrote. “According to Exodus 22:17, even if the marriage is denied by the father, the suitor must still pay the bride price for virgins.”
He also referenced the aso asa ibale custom among the Lukumi Yoruba, where a white cloth (aso funfun) is traditionally used on the wedding night to confirm the bride’s virginity. If unstained, the marriage could be nullified and the bride price returned.
Omokri continued:
“The term ‘bride’ in biblical and traditional context refers explicitly to a virgin. The excessive demands for money and property by some ethnic groups in Sub-Saharan Africa for brides who are not virgins should not be seen as bride price—it is extortion.”
The statement has ignited mixed reactions online, with some defending cultural evolution and women’s autonomy, while others praise Omokri for highlighting what they see as a forgotten cultural truth.
