Should Aso-ebi be banned?

Personally, I don't have a problem with Aso-Ebi. I always see it as being colorful and a way to beautify your occasion. But the part that i must be truthful about that irks me is the huge amount of money people place on it. I see it as extortion redefined.

I know it will be rather selfish for me to assume that everyone reading this article understands or are aware of what Aso-Ebi is all about and what it means. But i will explain.

By simple definition, Aso-ebi means Cloth of the family. It is used to refer to the outfits made from matching fabric and pattern worn by family members at a ceremony e.g wedding, birthdays, burial, anniversary etc. But note that today not only family members wear Aso-ebi, but anyone who can afford to buy it can wear it.
The fabrics for Aso-ebi are usually Ankara or lace material with gele to match.

Most people think that Aso-ebi is only a Nigerian thing, but the truth is that, its not just in Nigeria, but in other countries too. But it is also important to know that Aso-ebi draws its strength from the yoruba culture and tradition. Although other parts of the country in Nigeria have almost similar traditions e.g Ibo, Edo, Hausa, Delta etc. There is hardly no occassion that Aso-ebi is not sold. Many cultures have been wrapped into the Aso-ebi trend/syndrome.

It is seen as a from of Unity, Identity, Comradeship or as a form of support for the organizers.

Most people place so much importance to it that even though the price in getting one is very huge, they can  borrow to get it because of the preferential treatment people who wear it get at social events.

Like i said in the beginning, i personally don't have a problem with it, but what i have a problem with is the price hike and also the segregation attached to it.

The celebrant as far as am concerned on purpose increases the price of the Aso-ebi fabric to a

ridiculous amount of money to cover up the cost for the wedding (my opinion). Lets say the material was bought in the market for 3500, he/she then sells it for 7,500. This is the most annoying part...no be me force you to marry, so why put me in the position where i will have to spend a huge amount of money for something i can get on a cheaper rate in the market.

For me, if its of good quality, i can manage to buy one but not when i know the fabric is not up to standards and you still hike the price. What they don't understand is that i will still have to sew the material oh. And to have a good design is very expensive too (ladies can attest to this).

Really my advice is that you either cut down on the cost of the wedding, or wait till you get to the dance floor to make your money from the ones people will spray you than over charge me for a fabric to make profit.

This article wont be complete if i don't talk about the segregation of Aso-ebi wearers from those who didn't wear one. kai, i think it is appalling. Just because i didn't buy your Aso-ebi doesn't make me less of an invited guest.

Let me ask, have you ever being to a wedding where you were sidelined because you weren't wearing an Aso-ebi material? For me, yes i have. In short i was treated like one "I waka pass" person. Its okay if you call them out to take a picture or dance with you, but please in terms of food and gifts, everyone present at your wedding deserve the same gift. I am always of the opinion that anyone who buys Aso-ebi from you should be given an immediate gift and not wait until the day of the ceremony before you give it to them.

If you want to attend a celebrity wedding, make sure you are putting on an Aso-ebi or else you might face the biggest embarrassment of your life. 

I think what organizers of ceremony need to understand is that, for one to take time out of their busy schedule to attend your wedding is a plus mark and they must be treated with utmost respect.

Lastly, it annoys me when people force Aso-ebi on someone. It should be a personal decision, if I don't buy, it doesn't mean i hate you. Some people send the Aso-ebi to your house and call you on the phone saying they have dropped it in your house (personal expereience). In this way you have no option to say you don't want it.

The rate at which people increase the cost of Aso-ebi need to change...abeg. Just because i want to support you doesn't mean you will wreck me.  Nigerians have really taken the culture of Aso-ebi to the extreme.

Ladies and gentlemen, what is your take on Aso-ebi?