The appropriateness of a man kneeling down to propose marriage to a lady has been the subject of intense discussion among Nigerians. Opinions on the matter have varied widely. SEV discussed this with a few Igbo leaders. An Abi monarch once said, “It is not Igbo for a man to kneel to propose to a lady.” The tradition is peculiar and un-Igbo, according to Eze Linus Nto, Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council. He called it an aberration and an encroachment on the highly esteemed Igbo customs.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
He clarified that the appropriate course of action is for the guy to go with “a go-between” to the home of the woman he plans to marry in order to inform her and her family of his decision.Eze Nto insisted that the custom is a reversal of Igbo custom, in which a woman kneels in front of her people to reveal her husband.
It is not customary for a guy to stoop down and ask a woman to marry him in Igbo country. This is extremely odd and needs to be put to an end. The girl is demonstrating to her people who her spouse is while kneeling instead of standing.
The king suggested that our young people be continuously educated about the customs and heritage of the Igbo people in order to prevent its mutilation.
He exhorted the Igbo people to fiercely oppose the appropriation of foreign culture and customs for their own.
Eze Obosi: “It is incorrect and not a part of Igbo tradition and culture.”
Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka III), the traditional ruler of Obosi in Idemili North Council, Anambra State, declared that it is extremely improper for an Igbo man to stoop down and propose to the woman he wishes to marry
