Urhobo Marriage Customs - BRIDE PRICE List

Bride price is an essential and integral part of any marriage agreement in Nigeria and in Africa at large. Bride price or dowry is the amount paid or a token given to the parent of a bride in exchange for her hand in marriage. The amount paid as bride price varies with different families, cultures and ethnic group. Paying of bride price is an age-long practice in Africa; it is what makes a marriage contract legal. Today we will be looking into the bride price list of Urhobo people in Delta state, Nigeria. Therefore, for guys planning or want to marry an Urhobo woman this is what you should expect.

1). ENTERTAINMENT BY THE FAMILY

 Whatever the family uses to entertain you, shall be doubled by the proposed in-laws.

2). ITEMS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE GROOM

a... 6 pieces of none alcoholic wine, & 1 carton of fruits juice,

b... 6 pieces of alcoholic wine, 2 creates of malts, & 2 creates of minerals

c....3 bags of salt,

d.... 1 Caton of soap

e.... 20  liters of Palm oil,

f....  20 liters of palm wine,

g.... A plate of cola nuts mixed with native, ordinary & bitter, cola. supported with #2,000,

h.... Money for siblings #5,000,

i..... Money for youth     #1,500,

j..... Money for women  #2,000,

k.... Official bride price #1,200,

l..... Unofficial bride price #20,000,

m.... Behind money for father #10,000,

n....  Behind money for  mother #7,000

o.... Head tie, blouse, rapper shoe & bag for mother,

p.... Cap, shirt, rapper, walking stick, & shoe for father,

q.... Excursion money to present  the bride  #3,000,( for the women folk) negotiable,

r....  Full box of assorted clothes for the bride,

s.... One bottle of original honey.

Please note that all money including the unofficial bride price & clothings for father & mother must be presented to them before the marriage day because they would be asked if they have been settled before the marriage can be commenced.

NB: this bride price list not static for all Urhobo people, there are variations according to family, community and some things the educational status of the bride.