Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has sparked controversy after asserting that bride price should only be paid for virgins, calling any other demand for it “extortion.”
In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Omokri argued that many Africans confuse the concepts of dowry and bride price, which he says are distinct. He wrote.
“A dowry is what the bride’s family gives to her at marriage. A bride price is what the groom pays to the family of a virgin bride. These terms are not interchangeable.”
Citing Exodus 22:17, Omokri claimed the Bible only supports bride price in the case of virgin brides. He also referenced traditional Lukumi Yoruba customs, where a bride’s virginity is sometimes verified using a white cloth (aso funfun). If the bride is not a virgin, he said, the bride price is typically returned.
Omokri criticized what he views as the monetization of marriage, particularly when large sums are requested regardless of a bride’s virginity status.
“It is neither cultural nor biblical to demand a bride price for a woman who is not a virgin. That’s extortion.”
To support his stance, he referenced several biblical passages including Isaiah 62:5, Jeremiah 2:32, and Song of Solomon 4:12 arguing that the term “bride” in Scripture consistently refers to virgins. He also pointed to the example of King David, who, according to the Bible, paid bride price for Michal, but not for Abigail (1 Samuel 18 and 25).
Omokri further linked what he sees as the erosion of traditional values to rising rates of STDs, marital instability, and broader social issues across Africa.
He also criticized the widespread adoption of white weddings, describing them as foreign to African and biblical traditions.
“White weddings are a European practice, not a Christian one. And traditionally in Europe, the bride’s father not the groom covers the cost. If Africans want to adopt these customs, they should at least do so correctly.”
Omokri’s comments have drawn a mix of support and backlash online, with many weighing in on the implications of tying a woman’s value or marriage rights to her virginity.
Advertisement
