Igbo Men are Forbidden In My Family – Monica Ogah Drops Shocking Revelation

I didn’t think it would ever become a big deal until I said it out loud. My father looked me straight in the eye and told me, “If you bring any Igbo man home for marriage, you are on your own.” I remember sitting there, shocked, wondering if I had heard him wrong. But no, he meant every word.

It wasn’t something I expected from him. I grew up in a home that preached love, God, and music. We never really talked about tribe or boundaries when it came to people. So to hear my own father draw a line I didn’t know existed was jarring.

I couldn’t help but ask: “Why? What’s wrong with Igbo men?” I honestly wanted to know. What was it about someone’s ethnicity that made them completely unacceptable in the eyes of my father? He never gave a clear reason just that it wasn’t up for discussion.

At first, I thought maybe I shouldn’t talk about it publicly. But then I realized I wasn’t alone. So many people especially women are told who they can and cannot love, not based on values or character, but based on tribe, religion, or family history. And most times, they just swallow it and keep quiet. But I couldn’t.

When I shared it online back in 2017, I wasn’t trying to disrespect my father. I was just being honest about the things we deal with that people don’t always see. The backlash was surprising. Some people supported me. Others said I should never have aired family matters. But the truth is, silence won’t change anything.

I still love my father. But that moment showed me that sometimes, even the people we love the most carry ideas that can hurt or limit us. I don’t know if his opinion will ever change, but I know mine has. I believe love shouldn’t come with tribal conditions. If you find someone who respects you, supports you, and walks with you in purpose—hold onto them. Tribe shouldn’t cancel love.

Have you ever faced a personal or family taboo that clashed with your own choices especially around relationships or marriage? Share your story below. Your experience could help someone navigate their own boundaries and cultural pressures.

🔗 Source: The InfoStride — My Dad Said I Should Not Marry an Igbo Man — Monica Ogah