Emir Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli Critiques Asoebi Costs in Weddings

Emir of Zazzau, His Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has advised parents to reduce extravagant spending on weddings, specifically criticizing the high costs of asoebi, which can reach up to ₦1,000,000 for fabric. A viral price list from the wedding of content creators Jarvis and Peller highlighted options ranging from ₦350,000 to ₦1,000,000 for different fabric lengths.

An asoebi guest reported spending ₦2,190,000 in total for a wedding, illustrating a broader trend where costs for a single wedding can range from ₦150,000 to ₦600,000, with luxury events exceeding this. The price of asoebi fabric has significantly increased, with Aso-Oke rising from ₦4,500 to ₦23,000 and thread prices escalating from ₦22,000 in 2022 to ₦120,000 in 2026.

These increases are attributed to inflation, which reached 15.4% in March 2026. The Emir's comments reflect a cultural concern, emphasizing that the asoebi tradition has evolved beyond its original purpose, with participation signifying belonging and visibility.