Relatives of Nollywood star Regina Daniels have addressed an open letter to her estranged husband, Ned Nwoko.
Shared in a screenshot by filmmaker Stanley Ontop, the family highlighted that marriage cannot be imposed on anyone. They stated that if a woman chooses not to continue with her marriage, tradition dictates that her family should return the bride price which they have done but Nwoko has reportedly refused to accept it.
Her relatives further noted that when a man declines to collect the bride price, cultural norms allow the community to deposit the funds in an appointed place. They condemned the detention and mistreatment of the woman’s family, describing it as both unjust and unfair.
Read part of the letter below:
“Open Letter to Senator Ned Nwoko. Senator Nwoko, with due respect to your office and person, I must express deep disappointment over your recent actions concerning our sister and her family. As a people, we, the Ogwashi-Uku community, value peace, fairness, and respect for our cultural traditions.
“Marriage, by our custom, is never by force. When disputes arise between husband and wife, our tradition requires that such matters be taken before the kinsmen for resolution. Furthermore, if the woman decides not to continue in the marriage, custom demands that her family return the bride price. In this case, the family has made every effort to do so, but you have, allegedly, refused to accept it.
“Traditionally, when a man declines to collect the bride price, it is within the community’s right to deposit it at a recognised location, in this instance, Ikeleke Quarter in Ogwashi-Uku. This act formally concludes the marital obligation.
“However, the reported arrest and intimidation of the woman’s family is unacceptable, oppressive, and an affront to both our people and our long-standing traditions. The Ogwashi-Uku community is known for peace, not fear and we cannot stand by while our customs and dignity are trampled upon.”
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Read some comments below:
@jennygold_07:”Umuna clock it❤️.”
@pe__culiar:”So proud of my community now ogwashi ukwu 👏👏.”
@sisi_icecream01 said:”So proud of my community 🙌🙌.”
@sanfyempire:”Good move👏👏👏👏👏make them return the bride price abeg….. Marriage kno be by force o.”
@monique_okoro:”I am proud of my Ogwashi-uku community 👏🏽👏🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽.”
@sweet2andle:”You see why it’s good to be kind to your pple? Regina was very good to them, they have woken up 👏.”
@kemmy.e.e:”This is proper. He should comply as the kinsmen have spoken. 🙏🏾.”
@becoming_nurse_judy:”Now he will understand that ONE MAN CAN NOT MAKE A FOREST. Every quarter and departments, both federal and traditional, should Shawn this abuse of power and intimidation.”
@sir.__99:”Disgraceful for a sitting senator! Shame wear me agbada😔.”
@nely_j16:”What pains me most is that the man hit Regina. Do you know the mockery that girl faces daily for accepting to marry him? That man should worship the ground that girl walks abeg. It is only pure love, tolerance and care that can keep Regina in that marriage.”
@tseyi12:”The intimidation it’s too much, I don’t understand if he still want her go and beg. Not forcing her.”
@sweetmaculate:”very good because why you wan use force u be God shuuuuu.”
@prettyjessy65:”I can’t wait for that girl to be free from that old man. Been watching her movies lately n can’t stop feeling sad n pity for her 😢.”
@mitchel_cilia:”Am so disappointed in Ned and I really wish Regina well she’s such a sweet happy soul she deserves someone who would match her energy in every positive way love and light dear @regina.daniels.”