What is Nupe marriage tradition?

The Nupe are an ethnic group native to North Central Nigeria. They are the dominant ethnic group in Niger State and a minority in Kwara State. The Nupe are also present in Kogi State and The Federal Capital Territory.

What is Nupe’s marriage tradition?

Contracted between a man and a woman, marriage is regarded as a sacred institution. In the Nupe traditional setting, the couple is referred to as ebayawo and yawo, meaning husband and wife. In the early Nupe tradition, young boys and girls did not choose who to marry, their families decided on their behalf.

In a traditional Nupe wedding, the male never chooses a girl of his choice, and the girl never chooses a boy of her choice; this is primarily done by the parents.

The boy’s parents are asking for a girl’s hand in marriage even before the girl is mature. The boy’s parents do not approach their future in-laws directly to ask for a girl’s hand in marriage; instead, they send a reasonable member of society known as Lina to the girl’s parents to deliver their request. Once accepted, the Emikpe introduction ceremony will be prepared.

Traditionally, the goods required for the introduction ceremony were a hundred pieces of kola nut and a small sum of money, no more than Ten Naira (N10). After that, the courting might continue until both families consent to marry the couple.