Emir of Zazzau urges Nigerians to curb extravagant spending on aso‑ebi and wedding makeup

Ahmed Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, urged Nigerian families to rethink their wedding expenditures, criticizing the trend of flaunting expensive aso‑ebi outfits and bridal makeup.

During the 20th anniversary celebration of the Crystal Muslim Organisation (CMO) in Abuja, Bamalli suggested that families redirect such funds toward supporting those in need.

He remarked, “You will see our people spending millions of naira just on cosmetics when a girl gets married, and it’s because some parents spend up to $10,000 on this makeup.”

“To buy aso‑ebi for half a million naira, like N200,000 or N300,000, that’s something I completely don’t agree with. There are a lot of people on the streets who don’t have enough food to eat three proper meals each day. So, this is rampant in our society. But some of us have taken stands. For me, I’ve never spent any money on buying aso‑ebi or cosmetics for girls who are getting married.”

“No. If the mother decides to do that, that’s up to her to handle. If anyone wants to take on the project, go ahead, but I won’t put any money into it.”

He added that, given the country’s current financial situation, extravagant spending is unnecessary.

The monarch encouraged families to teach their children to spend on things that foster personal growth, independence, and community cohesion.

He further stated, “They spend lavishly on highly unnecessary parties. I’m not saying you shouldn’t celebrate, but there are some things we need to reduce. We have to tell ourselves the truth.”

“If you’re living a really good life but the people around you can’t even afford three meals a day, I think there’s a problem, and that’s what puts us in danger in our society.”