Nigerian businessman, Francis Van-Lare, has spoken out to clarify his stance regarding his late daughter’s partner, Dr. Ikenna Erinne. He firmly stated that Dr. Ikenna should not be referred to as his son-in-law, as he never officially married his daughter according to traditional customs.
Taking to social media, Van-Lare expressed his frustration over the matter, stressing that marriage in Nigerian tradition is incomplete without the payment of the bride price. He criticized the common misconception that emotional bonds alone define marriage, emphasizing that cultural practices must be observed for a union to be recognized.
“Most Nigerians think with emotions, not with reality and facts. How is someone who never paid bride price for my daughter a son-in-law? He is even an Anambra man like me,” he wrote.
Van-Lare elaborated on the cultural expectations of men from Anambra, describing them as family-oriented, responsible, and known for their generosity towards their wives and children. However, he accused Dr. Ikenna of failing to uphold these values by allegedly refusing to provide financial support. According to him, despite earning a substantial income, Dr. Ikenna was unwilling to contribute as little as $1,900 per month for the well-being of his family.
“Anambra men are very proud of their family, hence most women like them. This one, earning big money, is refusing to pay ordinary $1,900 a month. Nobody should call him my son-in-law for someone I have only seen three times!” he added.
To further support his point, Van-Lare compared the situation to that of his first daughter, whose foreign husband fulfilled all necessary marital obligations, including the bride price, demonstrating respect for Nigerian culture. He noted that, unlike Dr. Ikenna, his first daughter’s husband went through the proper channels to formalize their union.
In his closing remarks, Van-Lare insisted that true Anambra men do not abandon their families in times of financial difficulty. He claimed that they always find a way to provide, even if it means engaging in ‘[b]yahoo yahoo’[/b] (internet fraud) to support their loved ones. His comments sparked mixed reactions online, with many questioning his perspective on traditional values and financial responsibility in marriage.
It would be recalled that Dr. Ikenna tragically took his own life after losing the custody battle over his children. Following the legal proceedings, he was ordered to pay an annual child support fee of $15,000, which reportedly led to immense financial and emotional distress. His death shocked many, reigniting discussions on mental health, family obligations, and the pressures faced by men in relationships and marriage.