Eru iyawo list 2026
The 16 items a groom's family commonly presents at a Yoruba traditional marriage, with what each means and costs in 2026.
The eru iyawo ("the bride's load") is the list the groom's family brings to the bride's family. A typical total in 2026 is ₦207,000 to ₦891,000, and fabrics are usually the biggest share. Every family sends its own list, so tick off what yours asks for and add anything extra.
| Got it | Item | Meaning | 2026 cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Bible or Quran | Faith foundation of the union | ₦5,000–₦15,000 | |
| Obi (kola nut presentation tray) | Welcome and respect | ₦10,000–₦30,000 | |
| Obi abata (kola nut, 4-lobed) | Prayer and blessing | ₦3,000–₦10,000 | |
| Orogbo (bitter kola) | Long life and health | ₦5,000–₦15,000 | |
| Atare (alligator pepper) | Fertility and virility | ₦3,000–₦8,000 | |
| Oyin (honey) | Sweetness in marriage | ₦5,000–₦15,000 | |
| Iyo (salt) | Preservation and flavour | ₦1,000–₦3,000 | |
| Omi (water) | Purity and life | Symbolic | |
| Oti (schnapps or hot drink) | Libation for ancestors | ₦5,000–₦20,000 | |
| Isu (yam) | Prosperity and fertility | ₦10,000–₦30,000 | |
| Eja (dried fish) | Wisdom and longevity | ₦5,000–₦15,000 | |
| Aso-oke or lace for the bride's mother | Honour to the bride's mother | ₦30,000–₦150,000 | |
| Fabrics for the bride's sisters and aunties | Recognition of family | ₦50,000–₦200,000 | |
| Owo ori (bride price) | Symbolic acknowledgment | ₦5,000–₦20,000 (usually returned) | |
| Assorted drinks (soft drinks, malt) | Hospitality | ₦20,000–₦60,000 | |
| Additional cash gifts | As requested by the family | ₦50,000–₦300,000 |
Before you buy
- Ask the bride's family for their written list first; items and quantities differ between families and towns.
- The number of women who receive fabric is the biggest variable. It is negotiable, and worth agreeing early.
- Owo ori (the bride price) is often symbolic and returned to the groom.
For the Igbo and Hausa lists and the meaning behind each item, read the traditional marriage list guide, and for the ceremony itself, the introduction ceremony cost guide.