Controversial Nigerian author and political commentator, Reno Omokri, has once again sparked heated conversations online with his latest take on marriage proposals and cultural values.
Reno Omokri, via his Instagram on Tuesday, September 16th, advised men against kneeling to propose to women, describing it as a “borrowed European culture” that has no roots in African tradition.
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He argued that if a woman insists on a kneeling proposal, then she and her family should also be prepared to adopt other aspects of that foreign tradition, including the bride’s family paying the wedding bill, as is common in many Western cultures.
Speaking further, he wrote on his Instagram page. “A man kneeling to propose to a girl is a cultural practice that some Black Africans borrowed from Europe. It is not our culture. But if you must borrow, then borrow completely. The kneeling is just half of the borrowing. Please fact-check me: In Europe, the bride’s father also pays for the wedding. As a young Black African man, do not kneel to any woman to propose. However, if she insists that you kneel before she can accept your proposal, then insist that her father must also pay for the wedding. After all, what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander!”
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Omokri’s comment quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions. While some agreed with him, calling for a return to traditional African practices in marriage, others accused him of promoting outdated gender roles and being unnecessarily rigid.
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On August 31, 2025, Reno Omokri’s First Wife Accused Him Of Abandoning his Son With Special Needs, calling for ‘Real Parenting, Not Staged Photos.’