Marriage collapses after bride allegedly slaps mother-in-law at wedding reception in Edo
See video of guests' reactions
A wedding reception in Edo State reportedly ended in immediate family turmoil following a physical altercation between a newlywed bride and her mother-in-law over wedding catering.
According to a news report by ITV News Benin City, the incident occurred in Benin City, but the couple’s names were protected.
The altercation reportedly began when guests affiliated with the groom’s mother arrived late to the reception venue after general food service had ended.
The only remaining portion of food at the venue had reportedly been set aside by the bride specifically for her own parents.
“A couple from the groom’s mother’s side arrived at the time food had finished, and the portion of food the bride left for her parents was the only available option,” the narrator detailed. “The mother-in-law had approached her daughter-in-law and whispered to her that she would like to take some of the food to give to the couple who came from a far distance. The new bride vehemently refused.”
The situation escalated when the groom’s mother attempted to serve the food herself. The bride reportedly seized the dish and returned the portion to the cooler.
The dispute quickly turned physical, with eyewitnesses reporting that the mother-in-law slapped the bride in frustration, prompting the bride to return the slap immediately.
Social and legal reactions
The incident triggered strong reactions from attendees, local clergy, and legal commentators featured in the video broadcast.
Local religious leaders and guests widely condemned the physical confrontation, arguing that the breakdown of respect signalled an immediate collapse of the marital union.
Addressing the reported dissolution of the union, a legal practitioner noted the statutory requirements regarding formal divorce proceedings in Nigeria.
“In our own Nigerian law regarding marriage, for you to file for divorce, the marriage must have stayed for at least two years, no matter how you may view the scenario,” the lawyer explained, highlighting the distinction between informal family separation and legal dissolution.
Family members from both sides have reportedly separated following the altercation.
See the ITV News report on our Telegram Channel.
