Rita Odafe
James Ibor, a lawyer and human rights advocate from Nigeria, has called for the abolition of bride price payments in the country.
He also emphasized that married women should have the option to keep their family names instead of adopting their husbands’ surnames.
Ibor, who is the lead attorney at the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, expressed these views during a women’s event in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State. The event focused on enhancing women’s representation in politics and was organized by the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Stand To End Rape initiative.
Ibor described the practice of bride price as akin to slavery.
He proposed that the traditions should shift to a system where families of both the bride and groom exchange gifts instead.
“Women should not be treated as property to be bought. This practice reflects a history of slavery, an infringement on women’s rights, and male dominance.
“I personally did not pay a bride price and instead exchanged gifts with my wife’s family.
“I strongly oppose this outdated and oppressive custom. We should promote gift exchanges rather than bride prices.
“Additionally, I advocate that women should retain their birth names instead of switching to their husbands’ surnames when they marry.
“Women should have the freedom to choose their own names.”
He criticized the situation in parts of Cross River, where women lack rights to own land and property.
