A traditional community in Nigeria’s Delta State has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Senator Ned Nwoko, the estranged husband of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, to accept the return of the bride price paid for her marriage. Failure to comply may result in a traditional declaration ending the union.

The demand was made in an open letter by Favour Awele Obi on behalf of the Ogwashi-Uku community, which accused Senator Nwoko of disregarding local customs and using his political influence to intimidate Regina’s family members. According to the community’s tradition, a woman can end her marriage if her family returns the bride price.

Regina’s family has allegedly made multiple attempts to return the payment, but Senator Nwoko has turned them down. The community has warned that if he rejects the payment again, it will be publicly placed at Ikeleke Quarter, a symbolic act that signifies the dissolution of the marriage under Ogwashi-Uku custom.

The letter also condemned the reported arrest of Regina’s siblings, describing it as an act of oppression and calling for their immediate release. The community’s action is seen as a significant development in the ongoing dispute between Regina’s family and Senator Nwoko.

The tradition of paying a bride price is a common practice in many Nigerian cultures, where it is seen as a symbol of respect and commitment to the bride’s family. However, the community’s decision to return the payment and potentially end the marriage highlights the complexities of traditional customs in modern society.

As the 48-hour ultimatum expires, attention will be focused on Senator Nwoko’s response and the potential consequences of his decision. The outcome of this traditional dispute will likely have significant implications for the parties involved and may spark further discussion about the role of traditional customs in contemporary Nigerian society.