Lawyer Advocates Abolition Of Bride Price, Supports Women Keeping Family Names

Prominent lawyer and human rights activist James Ibor has called for the abolition of the bride price tradition in Nigeria, arguing that it symbolizes slavery and the commodification of women. Ibor also advocated for married women to retain their family names instead of adopting their husbands’ surnames.

Speaking at a women’s event in Calabar, Cross River State, themed “Amplifying Women’s Representation in Politics with a Special Focus on the Special Seats Bill,” Ibor emphasized that the practice of paying a bride price undermines women’s autonomy. The event was organized by the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the civil society group Stand To End Rape.

“Women are not commodities to be purchased by men,” Ibor stated. “Bride price payment perpetuates slavery, denial of rights, and male domination. Instead, we should encourage an exchange of gifts between families.” He shared that he refused to pay a bride price during his marriage, opting instead for mutual gift-giving with his wife’s family.

Ibor also championed the idea that women should have the freedom to keep their family names after marriage. “Women should be at liberty to bear their chosen names,” he said, advocating for greater personal agency in marital identity.

Additionally, he criticised cultural practices in parts of Cross River State where women are denied rights to land and property, calling for reforms to ensure gender equality in inheritance and ownership.

His remarks have sparked discussions on the intersection of tradition, gender equality, and human rights in Nigeria.