Traditional Marriage Practice of Sexual Prowess Should Be Abolished in Akwa Ibom – Senator Helen Esuene
By Christopher Tom
Uyo, Nigeria – Senator Helen Esuene, National Overseer of the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness Nigeria, has called for the immediate abolition of the traditional practice of testing a groom’s sexual prowess before marriage, describing it as indecent, unnecessary, and harmful to the integrity of marriage.
Speaking to journalists shortly after delivering a lecture at a seminar organized by the Spiritual Fathers Forum in Uyo, Senator Esuene condemned the practice, noting that it devalues traditional marriage and requires urgent attention. She also urged the abolition of all traditional sacrificial rites, including those involving the Adiaha (first daughter), emphasizing that Jesus Christ remains the ultimate and final sacrifice for all situations.
Senator Esuene further appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers to review and reduce high bride prices in traditional marriages. She emphasized that such practices often cause financial strain and hinder peace and harmony in families.
In his remarks, the President and Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Christian Ekong, condemned certain burial practices imposed by churches and communities. He criticized the requirement for bereaved families to settle the debts of the deceased before burial, calling it unbiblical and inhumane.
Dr. Ekong also called for an end to costly burial customs such as vigils, candle nights, and souvenir programmes, which he said place unnecessary financial burdens on grieving families. He stressed the need for moderation, adding that extravagant burials often contradict religious teachings and worsen the hardship experienced by many families.
Meanwhile, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, assured that the council would take decisive steps to address the challenges associated with traditional marriage and burial rites. He pledged that the council would work to establish clear and fair guidelines that promote dignity, cultural preservation, and social harmony.
The royal father praised the initiative of the Spiritual Fathers Forum for organizing the seminar, describing it as timely and impactful for enlightening the public on critical cultural issues.
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