The Yoruba traditional engagement list, popularly known as ‘Eru Iyawo’ in Yoruba, is presented to the groom’s family from the bride’s family some weeks before the traditional wedding day.
These items are packaged and presented to the family of the bride on the traditional wedding day.
The items on the engagement list are always drafted by the bride’s family members. will differ based on what part of Yorubaland the bride’s family is from, and your family may decide to ask for more or fewer items.
The groom’s family can also negotiate to reduce the number of items.
Yoruba Engagement List (Eru Iyawo List)
- 42 bitter kola nuts (Orogbo)
- 42 Tubers of yams (Isu)
- 42 Kola nuts (Obi abata)
- 42 Chilli/Alligator Peppers (Atare)
- 42 pieces of dried Fish (Eja Osan)
- 1 Dish of peppered corn meal (Aadun)
- 1 Pack of Sugar
- 2 Baskets of Fruit
- 2 Decanters filled with honey
- 4 Crates of canned or bottled soft drinks
- 4 Crates of malt soft drinks
- 4 Cartons of bottled water
- 2 Bottles of non-alcoholic wine
- 2 Cartons of fruit juice
- 1 Bag of salt
- 1 Bag of rice
- 1 Umbrella
- 1 Goat
- 1 Keg of palm wine
- 1 Keg of groundnut oil
- A big suitcase containing clothes, shoes, and handbags, including aso-oke fabric, 2 sets of lace with gele, and 2 sets of Ankara
- 1. Wristwatch, Earrings, and Chains
- Biscuits and Sweets
- Engagement rings for the bride and groom
- Bible (for Christians)
- Quran, praying mat, praying kettle, rosary, white hijab, veil, and tasbih (for Muslim weddings)
Fees
- Owo Ori (The Bride Price) – Varies
- Owo Ijoko Agba (Money for the elders’ consent)—N1,000
- Owo Baba Gbo (Money for the bride’s father’s consent) – N1,000
- Owo Iya Gbo (Money for the bride’s mother’s consent) – N1,000
- Owo Ikanlekun (Door-knocking fee) – N1000
- Owo Isiju Iyawo (Fee for unveiling the bride) – N1,000
- Owo Aeroplane (Bride transportation fee) – N1,000
- Owo Iyawo Ile (Money for the Housewives)—N500
- Owo Omo Ile (Money for the Children of the household) – N500
- Owo letter Kika (Letter reading fee)-N500
- Owo Telephone (Fee to call the bride out)—N500 – N500
- Owo Isigba (Engagement gifts unveiling fee) – N500
- Owo Alaga Ijoko (Master of Ceremonies fee) – N500
Gifts are usually packaged in baskets or boxes, which are coordinated to match the wedding colour scheme or wedding theme.
The money is collected at different points during the traditional wedding ceremony, while the gift items are arranged at the venue before the ceremony starts.
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