4 Unusual Marriage Tradition Across Nigeria

Marriage is an important institution all over the world, particularly in Africa and Nigeria. Traditional marriage in Nigeria is special and unique according to each ethnic group. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage makes up for fascinating traditional marriages, however, some of them are quite unusual.

Listed below are four unusual traditional marriages across Nigeria

OKRIKA'S PERMANENT UNION; Even In Death.

traditional marriage in Okrika

The famous vows "Till Death Do Us Part " which had defined our perceptions of marriage for generations does not apply to the Okrika people of Rivers State, in the South-South region of Nigeria. In Okrika, a bride who is married according to the "Iya" tradition, becomes the groom's permanent possession, even in death. In a situation where she is divorced from her husband, she remains his possession even if she marries another man.

TAROK'S MARRIAGE; A Family Affair

Marriage to the Langtang ethnic group of Plateau state, in the North-central geopolitical region of Nigeria, is perceived as a family affair rather than the partners involved alone. The family takes the responsibility of the marriage process. In a situation where the couple have irreconcilable differences, the wife may return to her parents' house and that does not strip the husband of his rights over her as he enjoys total access to her. Marriage is such a significant institution that forms the core of the Tarok tradition. Unmarried persons in Tarok are treated with disdain. The underlying philosophy of the Tarok people is well captured in the manner in which they curse the unmarried dead persons "ga, ga ko orim bu per chatchat, kang apir bu a ga le aba lamkat. Ma mar bu te umar uro kat", meaning: "go forever with your spirit, your type should no more come to tarok. Woe unto you that you were born and you did not bring anybody to this world" during burial rites.

The Fulani 'Sharo' Flogging

sharo tradition

The Fulani tribe are predominantly nomadic people. The Sharo is a cultural festival that subjects the young and mostly unmarried Fulani men to flogging. The event is usually held in a market place for a week. The shoro tradition symbolizes bravery and the successful transition to manhood. A young man who successfully endured the flogging earns the privilege to marry his choice spinster in the clan. The scars sustained during the flogging is a sign that the young man has the strengthen and endurance to withstand pain.

Ibiaku' Marriage Of Widows To Their Brother in law

For Ibiaku clan in Mkpatenin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, the marriage of a widow to her brother- in-law - known as “levirate” - is a custom that serves to cement the bond and continuous coexistence of the two lineages that was established through the marriage. The deceased husband’s kinsmen have the rights and privileges to prevent the widow from leaving the lineage as her obligation is not only to the man she married but also to his kin