Controversy Trails Edo Marriage Custom Of Daddy ‘Lapping’ Bride (Video)

The practice, which involves a bride sitting on the groom’s father’s lap multiple times before being handed over to the groom, has drawn widespread attention after a viral video surfaced on the X platform.

A traditional marriage ritual in Benin, Edo State, has sparked heated debates online, with many questioning its moral implications and cultural relevance.

The practice, which involves a bride sitting on the groom’s father’s lap multiple times before being handed over to the groom, has drawn widespread attention after a viral video surfaced on the X platform, shared by user @DAMIADENUGA.

The video showed the bride being guided by a man to sit on her father-in-law’s lap seven times before being handed over to the groom, where she finally sat on his lap. The reactions to the practice have been polarizing, with some praising it as a meaningful tradition and others criticizing it as outdated and inappropriate.

Diverse Reactions
Some users expressed outright disapproval, citing moral and religious concerns. For instance, @Ay_teey condemned the ritual, saying, “No matter how good this tradition will be explained to you, I promise you it will never make sense in every aspect of morality. Islam will never allow this. The bride and her body belong to her husband and no one else.”

Others, like @SamuelIse3, defended the tradition, explaining its cultural significance: “What you saw simply means the lady is being counted seven times in the care of the groom’s parents to signify they will take good care of her. After this, the groom’s parents hand her over to their son.” Samuel also noted that the ritual emphasizes family accountability in resolving marital disputes.

Some questioned its relevance in modern society. @Icecoldmanuel asked, “What is the history behind it? Does it still have any relevance today? Cultural practices should be re-evaluated for their benefit to humanity, not just practiced because ‘it’s tradition.’”

Several users proposed modifications to the practice, arguing that it could be modernized. @The1stdaughter remarked, “Some things need to change. Not because the intention is bad, but because the method is outdated.” Similarly, @Jacksoncent1 shared a personal experience: “Mine was done the same way, but I think this tradition has to be reviewed. I hope my son won’t follow this protocol in his time.”

Others pointed out variations of the ritual in different cultures. @OniovosaHope noted that the Urhobo people of Delta State also perform a similar practice, while @light.eth clarified that if the groom is unavailable, his father traditionally represents him.

Some users sought to understand the deeper meaning behind the tradition. Dr. Arusi Ego questioned, “Edo has many traditions. What does this one signify, please?” Responding to this, @lilyally99 explained, “This is normal in our tradition. It’s called ‘handing over.’ The father of the bride places her on the groom’s father’s lap seven times, symbolizing that she has been handed over to her new family. The groom’s family is then told to take good care of their daughter.”

This traditional practice, though significant in its cultural context, has sparked discussions about the balance between preserving traditions and adapting them to contemporary values. While some defend it as a meaningful custom, others believe it requires re-evaluation to align with modern social and moral standards.

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