Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai recently received a wedding invitation that left her jaw-dropped – and not in a good way! The invitation came with a price tag of $1,200 (over ₦1.9 million!) for the aso ebi. Find out why she’s calling out the ‘dollarization’ of Lagos weddings.
- The Drama: Lilian Afegbai calls out expensive aso ebi trends in Lagos weddings.
- The Price: $1,200 aso ebi sparked the rant.
- The Reaction: Nigerians online share similar frustrations.
Aso Ebi Wahala: Lilian Afegbai’s Outburst
Lilian Afegbai, the star of “Road to Yesterday” and producer of “Bound,” didn’t hold back when she saw the cost of the aso ebi for her friend’s Lagos wedding. Aso ebi, for those who don’t know, is a uniform fabric worn by guests at Nigerian weddings and other special occasions. It’s a sign of solidarity and support for the celebrants. But lately, it seems like the price of showing that support is getting out of hand!
“Dollars for Aso Ebi? You’re Doing Too Much!”
Taking to Instagram, Lilian questioned why wedding costs in Lagos were being quoted in dollars. “Una don dey sell aso ebi in dollars for Lagos? You people now sell aso ebi for your own wedding in dollars? You guys are doing too much!” she exclaimed.
Initially, she thought the ₦1,200 price tag was in naira, joking that her friend was being generous. But when she saw the dollar sign, reality hit hard. “I checked the price and saw 1200. I thought it was in naira and said, ‘Shey she’s doing giveaway?’ But then I saw the dollar sign at the back. I was shocked! I converted it—$1,200 times N1,600… How many millions is that? For your own wedding? Is it my ‘I do’?”
The Rising Cost of Weddings: Are Guests Being Punished?
Afegbai isn’t the only one feeling the pinch. Many Nigerians have expressed frustration about the increasing financial burden of attending weddings. Some shared stories of being asked to pay upwards of ₦500k for aso ebi, gifts, and bridal showers just to attend weddings of people they barely know. It seems like weddings are becoming less about celebrating love and more about showing off wealth.
Lilian warned that guests shouldn’t be financially burdened for supporting the couple. “It’s not good na, everybody should relax. There is life after the wedding o!” she added. She has a point – weddings are a celebration, not a financial competition.
Aso Ebi Prices Compared
To give you an idea, here’s a little comparison of aso ebi prices (these are just examples, prices can vary widely!):
| Wedding Type | Aso Ebi Price Range (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Simple Traditional Wedding | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Average Lagos Wedding | ₦30,000 – ₦100,000 |
| High-End Lagos Wedding | ₦100,000+ (and apparently, up to $1,200!) |
What’s the Solution?
Maybe it’s time for a wedding cost intervention? Perhaps couples can be more mindful of their guests’ financial situations. Or maybe guests should feel empowered to politely decline the aso ebi if it’s beyond their budget. Whatever the solution, one thing is clear: the aso ebi situation is sparking a much-needed conversation.
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