Dear Aj,

I hope this question meets you well. It’s a tough one I must add, but I want to believe that you’ll give it your best shot.

I was in an argument session this last Christmas festive period with some friends over the notion I have that our Igba nkwu known as traditional marriage is more relevant than the White wedding.

What’s your take on this exhausting question Aj?

Answer,

Both are relevant to us as a people – Ndi Igbo – as every custom and the people have their tradition which they must not allow such argument to dent in any manner or form.

As Ndi Igbo, it is our culture to give out our daughter’s hand in marriage and then again while at it, do it in the presence of members of our kit and kin. Everyone comes to observe who our son in-law is and bond with his own people by so doing.

On the other hand, White wedding is a borrowed culture from the West. It involves the solemnization of the marriage in the church before the altar. This earns the couple marriage certificate to remain legally married to one another until death do them part.

I want to believe I have assuaged your interest in this question.