- An X user has raised a question about the appropriateness of an Igbo man to go down on his knees to propose to a woman while wearing the red cap.
- This comes after a video from Ruby Ojiakor’s engagement went viral.
- Netizens have also shared their thoughts on the matter.
The recent engagement of Nigerian actress Ruby Ojiakor has sparked a debate about cultural traditions and proposal etiquette.
In a recent video, Ruby Ojiakor’s partner, Moc Madu, was seen kneeling down to ask for her hand in marriage while wearing the prestigious Igbo red cap.
While the news of their engagement was met with congratulations and celebration, it also raised questions about the appropriateness of the proposal method.
In light of this, an X user, @gaiuschibueze, have expressed concerns about whether it is proper for an Igbo man, particularly one wearing a red cap, to kneel down during a proposal.
He wrote:
“Is it proper for an Igbo man with a red cap to kneel down to propose to a lady?”
See below:
The red cap is a symbol of respect and authority in Igbo culture, and some argue that kneeling down may be seen as desecration.
Others, however, see the proposal as a romantic gesture and a sign of love and commitment, regardless of cultural traditions.
One @Treazyblaq wrote: “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 wrote: “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 wrote: “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 wrote: “Remove the cap knee down, propose, when you stand up wear your cap back. The yam will not spoil!”
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