The Igbo Traditional Marriage Bride Price: A Comprehensive Guide

Igbo Marriage Items

In today’s post, we will delve into the intricate details of the Igbo traditional marriage bride price. It is crucial to discuss this issue on our blog to assist men and suitors who seek to marry an Igbo girl in properly planning and preparing themselves ahead of time. This necessitates a clarion call to publish the lists of Igbo Traditional Marriage List, providing insight into the cost of marriage in Igbo Land.

The Igbo Tribe, located in the South Eastern part of Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. This cultural richness is evident in the implementation and drafting of the Igbo Traditional Marriage List. A real Igbo girl is described as hardworking, industrious, and knowledgeable. Therefore, any man seeking to marry an Igbo girl must be prepared for the responsibilities that come with it.

Igbo brides are renowned for their beauty and discipline, making them highly sought after. As a result, men who wish to marry an Igbo girl are expected to meet certain expectations and obligations.

The practice of issuing a bride price list to a suitor or groom’s family has been in existence for a long time. This practice serves as a message to potential suitors, indicating seriousness and commitment to the marriage process. It is said that some Igbo Traditional Marriage Lists are designed to deter unserious men from marrying Igbo brides.

It is important to note that there are five major states in the South East Nigeria that make up the Igbo tribe, and as such, there are variations in the marriage lists in each of these states. However, the overall cost of the highest Igbo bride price in the whole Igbo land is estimated not to exceed #3,000,000.00.



Despite the variations in the marriage lists, there are common items that can be found in every Igbo Traditional Marriage List. These include the entitlements of the father-in-law and mother-in-law, which are compulsory items in the lists. These items are symbolic and hold significant meaning in Igbo customs and traditions.

Some of the common items in the Igbo bride price list include:

– Ego maternity -N- 1,000

– Collecting Of Marriage List #2,000 to #5,000 depending on the area

– Body Cream, Good Bathing And Washing Soap, bathing towel

– 30 to 50 Tubers Of Yam

– Snails (If Necessary) For Preparation of soup that day

– One or Two Big Okporoko (stockfish)

– Two Ukwu Anu Ewu – Leg Of Goat 2 (For Soup)

– Good Quantity of Okazi or Olugbu Leaf depending on the one they agreed to cook that day

– Morning Rose Powder

– Pomade

– Sugar (If Necessary)

– Ovaltine (If Necessary)

– Bar soap – 1 or 2 cartons

– Tablet soap – 1 carton

– Tin milk – (If Necessary)

– Bread – (Based On Agreement)

– Salt – 2 bags

– Spices such as Maggi (Royco And Star) ! packet each

– Rice – 1 or Two bags depending on the people coming for the occasion

– One or Two Big Tomatoes tin

– Red (palm) oil – 1 rubber

– Groundnut oil – 1 rubber

– Kerosene – 1 litre

– Maltina drink – 4 or more cartons

– Soft drink – 6 or more crates

– Onions – 40 bulbs

– Ego ala abo – -N- 10,000

– Ego nfotu ite – -N- 1000

– Big basin – 2

– Big umbrella – 2

– George material – 2 pieces

– Hollandis material – 2 pieces

– Blouse material – 2 pieces

– Head ties – 2

– Wristwatch – 1

– Shoes – 2 pairs

– Big box – 1

– Lamp – 1

– Handbag – 1

– Nigerian wax – 1 piece

– Necklace and earrings – 1 piece

– 8 Kola nuts or cost price

– 8 Gallons of palm wine or cash equivalent

– 8 heads of tobacco with potash

– 1 Goat for umunna

– 2 Crates of minerals

– 1 Carton of maltina

– 2 Cartons of star beer

– 1 Carton of Guinness small stout

– 8 Packets of Benson and Hedges

– 2 Bottles of Ground snuff

– Lump sum (ogwe ego) – -N- 2,000

– 2 Bottles of seaman’s schnapps

– Kola nuts or cash equivalent

– 20 Gallons of palm wine or cash equivalent

– 2 Crates of minerals

– 2 cartons of maltina

– 2 cartons of Guinness small stout

– 10 cartons of star beer

– One roll of Benson and Hedges

– 12 Heads of tobacco with potash

– 4 bottles of seaman’s schnapps

– 4 bottles of ground snuff

– Ego ala ezi – -N-1,500

– Officers money – -N-1,000

– 32 kola nuts or cost price

– 30 gallons of palm wine or cost price

– 2 crates of minerals

– 2 cartons of maltina

– 2 cartons of Guinness small stout

– 10 crates of Star beer

– Two rolls of Benson and Hedges

– 32 Heads of tobacco with potash

– 4 bottles of seaman’s schnapps

– Umunna Ahuna Ego

– Toasting of wine

– 1 bottle of seaman’s schnapps with 500 naira for Onye Eze (Village chief)

– Ego Umuama -N- 1000

– Ego mpatu Anya (Jealousy money) -N- 1,200

– Ihu Onu Aku Nwanyi (Bride price) – Negotiable

It is important to note that the above-listed items represent the typical cost of an Igbo Traditional Bride List. However, variations may occur based on the specific requirements of the bride’s family. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire directly from the bride’s community or compound to verify any differences in the list.

Igbo Bride

In conclusion, the Igbo traditional marriage bride price is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Igbo people. It is a symbolic gesture that signifies the commitment and readiness of the groom to take on the responsibilities of marriage. The items on the bride price list are not just material goods but are deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of the Igbo people, making them invaluable in the marriage process.

Beautiful Igbo Bride

For further inquiries or specific details about a particular people’s marriage list, feel free to contact us at +2349122481401 or email us at Talk2Okeigbo@gmail.com.

Leave a Comment