Mostly found in Nasarawa State and southern parts of Kaduna State, Eggon people have come to be identified with butter beans as the central item that seals a traditional marriage between a couple. DONATUS NADI, takes a look at the traditional significance of the food as it relates to marriage ceremonies among the Eggons.
utter beans is the most celebrated food among the Eggon ethnic group due largely to its varied cultural significance, particularly so when it comes to marriage ceremonies. It is, however, not exclusively prepared for eating during marriages. This food derivative from beans is so central to traditional wedlock among Eggons that it has relegated bride prize to the background.
The beans, called ebiekpemre, in Eggon, is the most significant item presented to the parents of the bride by the groom’s family during the traditional marriage called algo ugu, which means clan food because it is the whole clan of the bride’s parents who gather round to either accept the beans or reject it as the case may be.
During the beans presentation or algo ugu, if there was any outstanding dispute or disagreement between the two families, such disputes are resolved at the occasion. Usually, series of conciliatory activities take place before the day of the presentation of the beans.
Its preparation also comes with specific recipe which includes generous use of palm oil and mixed in black beniseed or sesame seeds. The palm oil and beniseed are so generously used in garnishing the beans to the point where one often see the oil dripping from the basin or dishes when served.
Mrs. Cecilia Akolo, of Barkin Abdullahi (BAD) community said the more the oil the higher the likelihood that the beans would be accepted and marriage contracted. She said both the quantity and quality of the beans are taken into consideration which often times are expected to be well cooked and not broken to pieces.
Samantha Abimiku from Kagbu in Nasarawa Eggon local government said the quantity demanded of the groom varies from one clan to another and can be negotiated in some cases where the groom’s financial status cannot meet up the stipulated requirement.
She said in some cases intending husbands who do not have the money take a farming season out to cultivate the beans by themselves as a way of bridging their expenditure for the marriage. In some cases young men also go into personal savings over a period of time to enable them save enough money for the beans.
In most cases, she said, 10 basins of about 50 kilograms each are required of the groom but some accept seven or even five depending on how benevolent the bride’s kinsmen are.
Mr. Patrick Akwashiki, a community leader, said “If you are marrying an Eggon lady, wherever you come from, whether you are Kanuri, Yoruba or Igbo, no matter the amount of money you give to the family of the bride, if you do not present the beans, that marriage is illegal.” He stated further that “The beans must be given in a colourful ceremony before the whole clan members of the bride and the groom,” which means it is not an event to be carried out with a select few family members.
“And from the day that the beans is presented, it is now formally accepted that the girl is formally married out and if it is not done even when you would have had several children with your wife, you will not have the right to receive the beans on any of your daughters until and unless you have done that of their mother because until then you are only staying with her illegally,” Akwashiki said.
In addition, even if the beans is prepared and presented to the family of the bride and is not accepted, that marriage is not legal and would not be recognized.
Once the beans is accepted, the ordinary Eggon man would not expect the suitor to leave his wife in her parent’s house anymore because he would be charged with issues bothering on her upkeep.
The beans is the summation of the cultural marital values of the Eggon nation.
A retired civil servant, Dr. Joseph Audu, who noted that the beans is an intricate part of Eggon culture, observed that “The only negative effect of the beans demand is that the quantity could be much,” saying that “the quantity demanded should be reduced.
Hon. Joseph Simon from Kagbu said with proper negotiation a wife could be given out to an intending suitor who would perform the beans rites at a later time when he has the financial wherewithal.
“Without money you can marry in Eggon land. When the time comes at later days when you have the money you can now do the beans presentation. It is acceptable,” he said.
Although opponents of this cultural practice have complained about such a rite as burdensome, especially as the required quantity by some in-laws can be huge, others see it as an indispensable rite and a social event which consolidates the bonds and builds bridges of understanding and enhance relationship between the two families that are coming together in marriage.
The proponents of algo ugu, beans presentation ceremonies, insist that such tradition further defines the character and value system of the Eggon people, adding that each ethnic group has its traditional marriage rites which have been sustained for generations, arguing that Eggon people should not be an exception. Remarkable is that neither Christianity nor Islam has not affected the Eggon people’s dedication to this traditional marriage rites and surely looks like it would be around for many more years to come.