Umuaka News24

Discussion on the cost and traditional requirements for marriage in Akaland is gaining momentum, following growing calls from Umuaka groups to support Mazi Chimezie Okwara’s proposal for a review of marriage expenses.

Supporters argue that reducing the financial burden could encourage marital success, increase the population of Umuaka and create opportunities for wealth and community development.

Some participants have proposed that the ₦1 million benchmark suggested by Mr Chimezie is even too much and should be reviewed downward to at most ₦500,000, with payment officially receipted by either the chairman of the kindred or the Eze of the community. Upon completion, the couple would receive the traditional blessing and proceed with their wedding arrangements.

Under the proposal, the money could be distributed by an agreed percentage among the lady’s parents, the women’s wing of the kindred, the men’s wing and the traditional authority, including an appropriate royal fee.

There are also suggestions that marriage-related funds received by kindreds could be kept until December, after which the men and women’s wings could decide collectively how the funds should be shared or invested. Advocates believe that, rather than allowing such funds to be consumed through immediate celebrations, part of the money could support business ventures and community development projects.

CALL FOR A UNIFIED POSITION

The discussion is calling on the 10 autonomous communities in Akaland to urgently convene and work towards a common position on marriage rites and costs, particularly where an Umuaka man is marrying an Umuaka woman.

Another issue gaining attention is the traditional restriction concerning the number of generations within which people are considered blood relations and therefore prohibited from marrying.

The issue was raised by Miss Chinazo, who argued that the restrictions are becoming increasingly difficult because many families in Umuaka are connected through paternal, maternal and ancestral relationships.

She suggested that the restriction could be reviewed from the fourth generation to the third generation.

Miss Chinazo further argued that people should be allowed to marry from their mother’s maternal home and father’s maternal home, provided the families are not from the same immediate nuclear family.

There are also calls for some kindreds within the same autonomous community to be permitted to marry one another, especially as some of the old kindreds have gradually developed into distinct villages and communities.

10 PGs, YOUTH LEADERS AND EZES URGED TO ACT

The 10 PGs and the 10 Youth Leaders across Akaland are also being urged to join hands with the Ezes and traditional rulers to urgently address these marriage-related issues.

Supporters believe that a thoughtful review of the existing system could remove unnecessary barriers, strengthen families, encourage young people to marry within the community and ultimately contribute to the growth and development of Umuaka.

The call is therefore for the traditional leadership and community stakeholders to look beyond today’s challenges and begin asking a bigger question:

What can we change today to make Umuaka a stronger, more populated and prosperous community in the next few years?

Umuaka News24 calls for constructive dialogue among the Ezes, PGs, youth leaders, kindreds, families and the wider Umuaka community toward preserving our culture while adapting traditions to the realities of today’s society.

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