Overview

This research work examines the traditional marriage practices of the Ibo people of Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, Nigeria, before the arrival of Christianity. Prior to the Christian influence, marriage was highly revered as a sacred institution that formed the foundation of the Ngor-Okpala social structure. Marriage was patrilineal, with the wife joining her husband's lineage group. The traditional marriage process involved extensive negotiations and rituals between the two families. The work notes that the introduction of Christianity and colonization has significantly impacted these traditional marriage practices since the 1960s. Some Christian Pentecostal churches now prohibit the bride from immediately joining the groom's family after the traditional rites. Additionally, the Anaku community in Anambra State and other Ibos in southeastern Nigeria do not recognize a union where only a church wedding has been performed, expecting the traditional marriage rites to also be completed.