“If He Paid Your Bride Price, Why Not Kneel?” — Nigerian Woman Sparks Heated Gender Debate Online

A Nigerian woman has ignited fierce debate across social media platforms after stating that any woman whose bride price has been paid should have no issue kneeling to serve her husband food. Her opinion, delivered via a trending TikTok video on Monday, has polarized thousands of Nigerians, with many calling her comment “archaic” while others praised her for “upholding tradition.”

The woman, whose TikTok handle is @RoseofAfrica_, said, “If a man pays your bride price and you call yourself his wife, kneeling to serve him food shouldn’t be a burden. It’s a simple show of respect and submission to the man who chose you.” Her video has since garnered over 800,000 views, triggering a storm of reactions on Facebook, X, and Threads.

Several supporters backed her stance, arguing that African values should not be eroded by modern feminist ideologies. One user wrote, “My mother did it. I do it. It brings peace. It’s not slavery; it’s culture.” Another added, “Respect goes both ways. If kneeling gives my husband joy and keeps our home happy, I’ll do it with love.”

Opponents, however, slammed the statement as demeaning and sexist. Human rights advocate Chioma Mordi reacted on X, saying, “Bride price doesn’t mean ownership. Women are not domestic servants. Mutual respect doesn’t have to come with kneeling.” Others argued that a man’s character, not customs, should be the foundation of marriage.

This is not the first time gender roles and tradition have clashed online. In 2023, a viral video showing a woman bowing to her husband at a public ceremony also sparked nationwide conversation on submission, feminism, and marriage dynamics in Nigeria. The tension reflects a larger generational divide, with younger Nigerians seeking a more egalitarian approach to marriage while older generations hold firmly to cultural rites.

Marriage counselors and sociologists have weighed in, with some saying such customs should be discussed and agreed upon by partners, rather than enforced. Dr. Angela Ijeoma, a family therapist, noted, “It’s not the kneeling that’s the problem. It’s the entitlement. Cultural practices should evolve with mutual respect.”

The woman at the center of the debate has not backed down. In a follow-up post, she stated, “If kneeling is a problem, maybe you’re not ready to be a wife. Traditions have kept marriages strong for generations.” The conversation shows no signs of slowing down, as the battle between culture and modernity continues in Nigeria’s digital space.