An Igoba-Osi Customary Court in Akure, Ondo State, has directed the family of Mr. Uche Nwachukwu to pay the remaining N150,000 balance of the agreed bride price to the family of his wife, Nneoma Okoro.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following a civil suit filed by the Okoro family.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the two families had agreed on a bride price of N200,000 prior to the traditional marriage, of which the Nwachukwu family had paid only N50,000.
The plaintiffs testified that repeated requests for the outstanding balance had been ignored, prompting them to seek legal intervention.
A representative of the Nwachukwu family cited financial difficulties as the reason for the delay, stating, “We are not refusing to pay. We have already paid part of the money and are making efforts to settle the balance soon.”
The Okoro family, however, argued that the two-year delay had caused them embarrassment and dishonor. “We have waited long enough. This continued neglect is unacceptable and dishonourable,” a family spokesman told the court.
Presiding Judge Ireti Sunday ruled in favor of the Okoro family, ordering the Nwachukwu family to pay the outstanding N150,000 within two weeks. She warned that failure to comply could result in further legal action, including possible annulment of the marriage.
The judge also emphasized the cultural and legal significance of honoring bride price agreements in customary marriages, noting that defaulting on such obligations can have both social and legal consequences.
Reacting to the ruling, Nneoma Okoro expressed satisfaction, saying the court’s decision affirms her family’s stance and upholds the importance of traditional customs. “We’re glad the court has recognized our rights and the significance of this matter to our family and tradition,” she said.
