The recent engagement of Nigerian actress Ruby Ojiakor has sparked discussion regarding cultural norms and the proper way to make a proposal.
Wearing the traditional Igbo red cap, her companion Moc Madu was seen kneeling to pop the question in a video.
In addition to bringing happiness and celebration, the news of their engagement raised questions regarding the proposal's execution.
@gaiuschibueze, an X user, expressed doubts over whether it is appropriate for an Igbo man—especially one wearing a red cap—to kneel down and pop the question.
He wrote, “Is it proper for an Igbo man with a red cap to kneel down to propose to a lady?”
In Igbo culture, the red cap is a symbol of power and respect, and some people think that kneeling could be seen as impolite.
However, regardless of ethnic background, some people see this behavior as a romantic gesture that demonstrates love and dedication.
Read some comments below:
Treazyblaq: “Actually, formal proposals are Western tradition. In Igbo culture, a man does not kneel to ask for a woman’s hand in marriage. The act of kneeling is simply to present a ring. Traditionally, Igbo men do not propose in that manner. To answer your question, if you are a traditional Igbo man, you don’t have to propose with a ring. You can skip that entirely and go straight to her family to begin marriage proceedings, provided she is Igbo as well. However, if you’re marrying a foreigner, you should propose in a way that aligns with her cultural expectations. Being an Ogbuefi or not does not change this.”
callme_Stanle: “really are we going to be talking about this kind of thing in 2025? I have a question who made these rules? What were their reasons? Were you there when the rules were made? Let’s say our ancestors or whom ever we claim to know made them,so we are going to keep living our lives on the dictates of some archaic rules that were made by some primitive people to suite their life style then. Why must our lives keep being directed by these people even in their graves. Why the unnecessary rules can’t we all break out , live our lives and be happy. These rules were made by human and can also be changed by human. Life is evolving we can’t keep being stuck up by people we don’t even know or met. Every culture and religion you think you know were nurtured and cultured into you. You don’t even know if any were true you just believed because who ever raised you said so. Let’s allow people be and do what makes them happy as long as no crime is committed and nobody is hurt.”
EmekaPisle: “So my dear brother. The red cap has been bastardized in so many ways? How many persons wearing red caps are actually titled men? This should be the first question. So whatever anyone wants to do is ok o.”
MappingReveals: “Remove the cap knee down, propose, when you stand up wear your cap back. The yam will not spoil!”
See the post below
Is it proper for an Igbo man with a red cap to kneel down to propose to a lady?
— Bitcoin Chief (AKA OMA JI EGO) (@gaiuschibueze) January 30, 2025
Lets discuss respectfully! 👇🏼
