Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has responded to the ongoing debate about bride price traditions in Mbaise, Imo State, after a viral video surfaced of a young man claiming he was asked to pay ₦1 million.
In a video addressing the claims, Kanayo dismissed the allegations as exaggerated and misleading, insisting that they unfairly target Mbaise customs.
“I’ve seen the video making rounds where a young man says he was asked to pay one million naira as bride price in Mbaise,” he said.
The actor clarified that bride price is not fixed and varies across families, even within Mbaise communities.
“As someone from southeastern Nigeria, I can confidently say that 85% of communities do not have a standardized bride price. It differs from family to family. In Mbaise, I know for a fact that what starts at ₦1 million could be negotiated down to ₦20,000. So, let’s not allow misinformation to tarnish Mbaise traditions. I won’t stand for it!”
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He further emphasized that across the southeast, families have their own customs regarding bride price and that social media narratives should not dictate how Mbaise culture is perceived.
“Every family determines what they ask for, and this is true across all southeastern states. People should stop vilifying Mbaise when it comes to marriage. Our daughters are well-raised and make excellent wives.”
His response ignited discussions in the comment section, with many agreeing with his stance:
- “Don’t mind them, sir! People just talk without facts.”
- “That ₦20,000 might even be reduced by ₦500 after negotiation.”
- “Well said 👏👏👏”
- “I’m not from Mbaise, but people should stop spreading false claims about high bride prices.”
- “Bride price is always negotiable. Sometimes, it ends at just ₦1,000 to symbolize that a child is not being sold.”
