An Igoba-Osi Customary Court in Akure, Ondo State has directed the family of Mr. Uche Nwachukwu to pay the sum of N150,000 as the outstanding balance of the agreed bride price to the family of his wife, Nneoma Okoro.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following a civil suit brought before the court by the Okoro family.
In the proceedings, the court heard that prior to the traditional marriage, the two families had agreed on a bride price of N200,000, out of which the Nwachukwu family paid N50,00.
According to the plaintiffs, repeated appeals for the balance were ignored, prompting them to seek redress in court.
Speaking before the court, a representative of the Nwachukwu family cited financial challenges as the reason for the delay.
“We are not refusing to pay. We have already paid part of the money, and we are making efforts to settle the balance soon,” the family representative said.
The Okoro family, however, contested the claim, arguing that the two-year delay had caused embarrassment and damaged the family’s honour.
“We have waited long enough. This continued neglect is unacceptable and dishonourable,” a family spokesman told the court.
Delivering her judgment, Presiding Judge Ireti Sunday ruled in favour of the Okoro family, ordering the Nwachukwu family to pay the outstanding N150,000 within two weeks.
She warned that failure to comply with the court’s directive could lead to further legal consequences, including the possible annulment of the union.
The judge also used the opportunity to reiterate the cultural and legal importance of honouring bride price agreements in customary marriages, stressing that defaulting on such terms could have social and legal implications.
Reacting to the judgment, Nneoma Okoro expressed satisfaction, saying the decision affirms her family’s position and upholds the value of traditional institutions.
“We’re glad the court has upheld our rights and recognized the importance of this matter to our family and tradition,” she said.
