The Ekpeye Kingdom in
Rivers State has taken drastic measures to moderate marriage and burial rites in the kingdom.
The monarch of Ekpeye Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Ft. Lt. Robinson O. Robinson, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, disclosed this during the formal launching of Ekpeye Almanac and book on “Ekpeye marriage and burial rites, bylaw 2011” at Ahoada recently.
The Ekpeye Monarch who described the launching as historic, said “marriage rites in Ekpeye Kingdom is now fixed at N75,000,” it views of the controversies surrounding marriages in the area because of expensive bride price. He emphasised that marriage as an institution was not dependent on expensive bride price, but a lasting and ensuring relationship between the bride’s and the groom’s families. He pointed out the issue of expensive marriage rite had left many young men and women to remain unmarried and assured that the new resolution would check such ugly tendency.
The Monarch also stated decisions had also been taken to check expensive burials, which left people in poverty and indebtedness because of borrowing.
The Ekpeye monarch who emphasised the need for sustenance of cultural values, also called on the federal government to appoint Ekpeye sons and daughters into sensitive position to develop the area.
In his remarks, the chairman Almanac launching committee, Prof. Eze Ekpeye Logbo in council for the initiative and called for the establishment of special foundation to tackle unforeseen circumstances such as the flood disaster that ravaged some Ekpeye communities is the past, Prof. Imo also urged Ekpeye scholars to publish more works on Ekpeye cultural heritage.
The event which as chaired by Prince Chibudum Nwuche was attended by prominent Ekpeye, politicians, and leaders of thought.
Taneh Beemene
