By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
A woman who isn’t a virgin is not eligible for bride price, says Reno Omokri, former aide on social media to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
In a twitter post on what he calls #RenosNuggets, the author and social media influencer said the bible prescribes bride price for virgins alone, quoting Exodus 22:17.
The Bible verse reads: “If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.”
The context, however, is when a man entices a woman he hasn’t married to his bed. He is obligated to marry her by paying the virgin bride price on her head even if her father did not consent.
Reno tweeted: “Paying bride price for non virgins is like paying for what other men got free. Scripturally, bride price is only paid for virgins-Exodus 22:17. That is why David paid a bride price for Michal, but not for Abigail. Save your virginity until marriage.”
Opinions were divided on Omokri’s tweet. Some agree, while others disagree.
@EmmanuelApara1 tweeted: “It’s only in this generation I’ve heard ladies saying virginity isn’t a woman’s pride. If you marry a virgin, the gesture, admiration and love will be given, it’s only an unfortunate man that disrespect despite that.”
@DAT_E4MA said: “Who is forcing the man to pay for ‘an almost 95% gone product?’ Shebi he’s the one that searched and searched and searched, and said if e no be that one, e no fit be any other one?”
@zamymimah argued: “The real issue should be to find the right person, so many broken homes, virginity doesn’t give a happy home, virgin or not just pray for a happy home.”
@CEKAL_1 advised: “If you are not a virgin, don’t feel condemned or less important. Accept Jesus Christ, He has got you covered. Men please, pay her bride price whether she is a virgin or not. E get why.”