See what you don't know about Idoma Traditional marriage

What do you know about Idoma people.The Idoma people are primarily the inhabitant of the lower western areas of Benue State, Nigeria, with her kindred groups found across Rivers State, Enugu State and Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Marriage in Idoma land is considered a lifelong state of union, although divorce is possible on the grounds of Infidelity. When an Idoma man is about twenty-five years old and has the financial and physical capability to maintain a wife and children, he searches for a woman of his choice; this is great, isn’t it? This lady must be at least eighteen years old.


The Idoma language is classified in the Akweya subgroup of the Idomoid languages of the Volta–Niger family, which include Alago, Agatu, Etulo and Yala languages of Benue, Nasarawa and Northern Cross river states.The great people of Idoma are known to be 'warriors' farmers and 'hunters' of class, but hospitable and peace-loving.
The population of the Idoma is estimated to be about 4 million.
The Idoma people have a traditional ruler called the Och'Idoma who is the head of the Idoma Area Traditional Council while each community has its own traditional chief such as the Ad'Ogbadibo of Orokam, Chief D.E Enenche. The Palace of the overall Och'Idoma is located at Otukpo, Benue State.

The present Och'Idoma, Elias Ikoyi Obekpa was installed into office in 1997 and the position is for life https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idoma_people#cite_note-4
For those of you that want to marry an Idoma lady or man, feel free to read this article to the end….
The full fact about Idoma traditional marriage is not as awkward or bogus as people may think.What do I mean by that? It was said that among the ethnic group in Benue state, Idoma traditional marriage stands as the most expensive and tasking. But wait a minute, Oh!!This must be a fallacy of the highest order.
 In most cultural groups in Nigeria, traditional marriage is an arrangement between two families rather than an arrangement between two individuals.He informs his family of his desire and they will in turn choose  what is called THE MIDDLE MAN (a person who is familiar with the girl’s family).
 IF YOU HAVE NOT TASTED THIS IDOMA TRADITIONAL SOUP THEN YOU ARE MISSING. SEE IT HERE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okoho 



This middle man is called ogbobu’onya in Idoma language….how does it sound in your mouth? Better learn this language now….. Before you meet your in laws to-be. Hahaha.  Am just joking anyway. 
The middle man (ogbobu’onya) in turn, investigates the family of the prospective bride to ascertain that the family has no history of specific ailments e.g. mental disease, epilepsy, and/or similar problems.If the result of these investigations is positive, the prospective groom’s family visits the woman’s family with gifts of kola nut and drinks. But if the investigation stands negative, the groom will have to look for another lady. It is better to buy what is new than to buy fairly used and spend more money to fix. So, my friend wisdom is profitable to direct.

HOW MUCH IS THE DOWRY?

Also every member of the bride’s mother’s family must be given money, with the groom’s family determining the amount. The bride’s age group and her more distant relatives also get some money; the amount paid varies according to bride’s level of education and productivity, but deu to civilization and other external factors, the money to be paid will largely depend  on the understanding between the both families. Then the groom’s family gives the bride a rooster and some money. If she accepts these gifts and gives them to her mother, she indicates her acceptance of the groom, but if she refuses, she signifies her refusal.
Before the bride is finally handed over to her husband, however, her age group will pose as a mock barrier to those who want to take her and extort money from the anxious groom’s family.
 The bride’s mother buys her cooking utensils and food because she is not expected to go to the market for the first five market days after her marriage. At the end of the eating and drinking, the wife is finally handed over to her husband’s family.So as a bachelor looking to marry an idoma girl, you must be ready for this challenge.




Like every other culture in Nigeria, the bride-price comes in many folds.The groom must pay a dowry first to the bride’s mother and then another dowry to the father; this involves a significant amount of bargaining. Depending on the understanding between the both families. 
 If she accepts him, she is showered with gifts and money, and the two families eat and drink together.



I hope this information is helpful, please share.





It is also important to note that the Idoma people do not believe in divorce except on the ground of unfaithfulness. 
And when the Idoma woman dies, she is to be brought back to her village to be buried properly.Infidelity is highly frowned upon and has consequences according to the Idoma traditions.
The idoma people indeed have a beautiful culture that needs to be showcased well, I think if this has not convinced you about the beautiful culture of Idoma then look forward for another article were the cultural practices are discussed.You can also drop your questions and comments for answers.

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