James Ibor, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist, has called for the abolition of bride price payment and the practice of women changing their names upon marriage in Nigeria.
Speaking at a women’s event in Calabar, Cross River State, Ibor, who is the principal counsel at the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, passionately argued that these traditions symbolize the oppression and commodification of women.
The event, organized by the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs with the support of Stand To End Rape, was centered on amplifying women’s representation in politics, with a specific focus on the Special Seats Bill. During his address, Ibor made a compelling case against the payment of bride price, likening it to a form of slavery and domination by men. He emphasized that such practices undermine women’s rights and perpetuate the notion that women are property to be bought.
Ibor shared a personal anecdote, stating that he had refused to pay a bride price to his wife’s family, instead opting for the exchange of gifts between their families. He firmly advocated for the continuation of this practice, urging that society should move away from bride price payments, which he described as outdated and degrading. “Women are not commodities that should be purchased by men,” he declared, highlighting that these customs reflect deep-seated gender inequality.
Furthermore, Ibor called for women to retain their maiden names after marriage, arguing that they should have the freedom to keep their family names rather than adopting their husband’s surname. He advocated for the right of women to choose and maintain their identities, both personally and legally. “Women should be at liberty to bear their chosen names,” he asserted.
Ibor also condemned the practices in certain parts of Cross River State, where women are denied the right to own land or property. He called for greater attention to be given to ensuring that women have equal access to property rights, stressing that such inequalities must be addressed in order to create a more just and equitable society for women. His remarks added to the growing calls for reform in traditional practices that continue to undermine women’s autonomy and rights in Nigeria.
