Groom Sues For Divorce Two Days After Wedding As Bride And Mother-Inlaw Exchange Slaps At Reception Over Food

A viral video recounting how an alleged altercation between a bride and her mother-in-law over food reportedly led to the collapse of a marriage has ignited heated reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over who was at fault.

The video, which gained traction on Friday, originated from a July 20 broadcast by Independent Television and Radio, Edo State.

According to the broadcaster, the incident occurred during a wedding reception after food had run out. A couple from the groom’s family reportedly arrived late, leaving only the portion of food the bride had reserved for her parents.

 

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The report alleged that the groom’s mother quietly asked the bride if she could give some of the remaining food to the visitors, who had travelled from a long distance. However, the bride reportedly declined.

It further claimed that when the mother-in-law attempted to serve the food herself, the bride collected it and poured it back into the cooler, prompting the older woman to slap her. The bride allegedly retaliated by slapping her mother-in-law.

According to the broadcast, the groom remained calm until the wedding reception ended but reportedly sought to dissolve the marriage two days later.

However, a lawyer, Franka Osie, clarified in the same broadcast that Nigerian law does not permit a statutory divorce after only two days of marriage.

Also speaking on the matter, another legal practitioner confirmed that under Nigeria’s Matrimonial Causes Act, “couples in a statutory marriage generally cannot file for divorce until they have been married for at least two years. However, a court may allow an earlier divorce in exceptional cases involving hardship or depravity. In some situations, an annulment may also be an option.”

The report has since triggered widespread debate on X, with users offering differing perspectives on the actions of the bride, the mother-in-law and the groom.

Reacting, #IdorenyinEtuk5 argued that neither woman handled the situation appropriately, while also faulting the groom.

“In my opinion, neither the mother-in-law nor the bride were right in their actions or reactions. The man himself had not shown that he has boundaries. If he did, neither woman would dare act in such manner.”

For #Georgec7ye, the issue highlighted a common problem at Nigerian weddings.

“This food sharing thing is a big issue. In some families, they even drag who should pick money from the floor. Couples need to make proper arrangements for both families so as to avoid being in such a situation.”

#omotoyosiwrites questioned whether the alleged incident alone could have ended the marriage.

“What could have led to the end of the marriage between two days? Maybe both parties are too aggressive and lack the maturity needed to resolve these issues.”

Some users defended the bride, insisting she reacted after being assaulted.

#MTamatey wrote:

“No one is condemning the mother-in-law for slapping her son’s wife first? The bride shouldn’t have defended herself? She was going to join an abusive family. I am glad it ended there.”

Similarly, #K3HDARX said:

“Two wrongs don’t make a right, but why did the mother-in-law slap the bride in the first place?”

Others, however, blamed the bride’s conduct.

#Spiritualsman wrote: “Home training is something this generation is lacking. No matter what, how will you struggle for food with your husband’s mother to the extent of slapping her?”

Suggesting the altercation may have exposed deeper issues, #CEDOkugbo said, “There are most likely underlying issues. I think the man must have ignored red flags… This is why it is essential to have a period of courtship.”

Also weighing in, #macbendaniels noted that disputes involving in-laws are common at weddings, “Wedding planning should include how to manage in-laws in the areas of food, drinks and souvenirs… Even after years of being married, the story doesn’t just end.”

Echoing the need for a longer courtship, #NeYo_2022 wrote:

“This is why it’s good to spend time getting to know someone before getting married… Taking time to know each other can help both partners make a more informed decision before marriage.”

The story continues to fuel conversations online, with many debating family boundaries, wedding etiquette, anger management and whether the alleged incident alone could justify the breakdown of a marriage.

  

Categories: Entertainment