Arise TV anchors, others differ in opinion over video of Igbo mother performing wedding rite meant for men

A distinct moment from the recent traditional wedding of popular fashion influencer Akin Faminu and his bride, Kiky Festus, has triggered a massive cultural debate across social media platforms.

The ceremony which held in Lagos, deviated from deep-rooted customs during the Igba Nkwu (wine-carrying) ceremony. The bride’s mother, an Igbo woman, took the spotlight to personally bless and hand the ceremonial palm wine to her daughter, who then presented it to her groom.

Paternal family structures have historically mandated that this age-long Igbo tradition be strictly reserved for a male figure such as the bride’s father, brother, or uncle.

The unconventional gesture has drawn mixed reactions, with some calling it a refreshing twist while others blast it as an unnecessary breach of heritage. 

Reacting to the viral event, Arise TV’s Chidiebere Nwobodo strongly criticized the move, stating the action was wrong on all levels.

‘’When it comes to Igbo culture, this is totally wrong. I am not going to lie to you. That particular custom, in terms of pouring wine for the bride to go search and locate her groom is meant for the man. If the father is late, they can pass it to the son or an Uncle, it is not for women, I know that it is cute. A lot of women all about women empowerment will like it but traditionally, this is totally wrong.’’ he said

He argued that if there is no male to perform such a role in a family, then the process should be skipped entirely.

However, his female colleague, Nicole Abebe, disagreed with him. She said;

‘’Someone on social media out a post saying’ ‘Culture and tradition is peer pressure from de@d people, ’ and I agree. Who was present in my family? If my father wasn’t present in my family, lets say I don’t have any brothers or village uncles from anywhere, then my mother 100% is going to collect it”

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