“If The Asoebi Is More Important Than Me. Please, Nobody Should Take This Personally With Me. I Cannot Afford It, Please.” – Biola Bayo

 

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Nollywood actress Biola Bayo has sparked a heated debate on Nigerian wedding culture by publicly rejecting the expensive asoebi tradition. In a candid Instagram video, the Yoruba film star highlighted the financial strain of attending multiple owambes, announcing her decision to opt out of buying uniform fabrics for events. This move comes amid rising concerns over asoebi costs in Nigeria, where celebrants often mandate matching outfits for guests, leading to additional expenses like sewing, makeup, accessories, and even event-day logistics.

Biola Bayo, known for her roles in Yoruba movies, shared that she faces eight owambe parties before year's end, with asoebi alone totaling around N2 million. She emphasized the hidden costs beyond the fabric purchase, making it unsustainable for her lifestyle.

 The actress urged friends and family to understand her position, prioritizing attendance over conformity.

"Between now and the end of the year, I have like 8 Owambes. The cost of aso-ebi should be approximately N2 million. Dear friends and family, I am sorry I can’t afford it. It’s another thing to buy Asoebi; I will sew it, do my make-up, buy shoes and a bag, fuel my car, and spray money. I will still have to cancel jobs and appointments to ensure that day is for you". She said 

She further explained, "I will come for your party, but I will wear what I have if you don’t mind. But, if you tell me it’s strictly by asoebi, that means you’re telling me not to come. That the asoebi is more important than me.Please, nobody should take this personally with me.

I cannot afford it, please.

If you give me, I’ll gladly make my Iro and Buba to come and honour you”.Her statement resonates with many Nigerians facing economic pressures, where asoebi has evolved from a cultural symbol of unity to a costly obligation. 

Critics argue it excludes guests who can't afford it, while supporters see it as a way to fund celebrations. Biola's viral post has ignited discussions on social media about reforming owambe etiquette, with some calling for "asoebi-free" weddings to make events more inclusive.   As inflation bites harder, Biola Bayo's asoebi boycott could inspire a shift in Nollywood circles and beyond. 

The actress, who often shares relatable life insights, positions this as a practical choice rather than a snub. Whether this challenges the deeply rooted asoebi culture in Nigerian parties remains to be seen, but it underscores the need for empathy in social obligations. With wedding season peaking, her message serves as a wake-up call for hosts to value presence over presents.  I will gladly make my Iro and Buba to come and honour you”.

Her statement resonates with many Nigerians facing economic pressures, where asoebi has evolved from a cultural symbol of unity to a costly obligation. Critics argue it excludes guests who can't afford it, while supporters see it as a way to fund celebrations. Biola's viral post has ignited discussions on social media about reforming owambe etiquette, with some calling for "asoebi-free" weddings to make events more inclusive.

As inflation bites harder, Biola Bayo's asoebi boycott could inspire a shift in Nollywood circles and beyond. The actress, who often shares relatable life insights, positions this as a practical choice rather than a snub. Whether this challenges the deeply rooted asoebi culture in Nigerian parties remains to be seen, but it underscores the need for empathy in social obligations. With wedding season peaking, her message serves as a wake-up call for hosts to value presen

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