The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has set the traditional bride price at 50,000 naira and has banned certain practices that are considered “barbaric and harsh.”
The council believes that this decision will promote cultural advancement in Idoma Land, Benue State.
The bride price has been fixed at a reasonable amount in order to alleviate the financial burden on grooms and their families.
As a result, all strict conditions, requirements, and expectations associated with traditional marriage have been eliminated and prohibited under the new law by the IATC.
The decision was made after extensive consultations with rulers, political leaders, and, most importantly, the Idoma people themselves.
In addition, inheritance laws have been revised to prioritise the spouse and children of the deceased, unless a written will states otherwise. This change empowers women and safeguards the vulnerable members of the family.
“For the avoidance of doubt, where the deceased is survived by wife(s) and children, such children and wife(s) shall have the right of first consideration in the apportioning of the inheritance, in the absence of a Written Will.”
Burial practices have undergone changes as a result of a new law. The law permits wives to be buried next to their husbands, with only a few exceptions. For instance, if a woman has children with multiple husbands, all families are allowed to take part in the funeral ceremonies.
Additionally, the council has prohibited random burials in residential areas. Now, communities are required to establish specific burial grounds to honour the deceased and ensure public health.
