Bole Chief Imam bans extravagant weddings to preserve ‘Islamic traditions’

The Chief Imam of the Bole Traditional Area, Alhaji Mohammed Iddrisu, has announced a ban on extravagant Islamic weddings within his jurisdiction, effective Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

The decision, taken after extensive consultations with Islamic clerics, aims to curb excessive wedding expenditure and ensure adherence to traditional Islamic practices.

In an official statement from the Office of the Bole Chief Imam, Alhaji Mohammed Iddrisu expressed concern that extravagant weddings have led to high costs, making it difficult for many young people to marry.

The ban specifically targets practices such as elaborate wedding receptions that involve multiple outfit changes by couples, male beauticians dressing the opposite sex, and record dances popularly referred to as “jams.”

“This decision aims to curb deviant practices which set high wedding costs, therefore making it difficult for many youths to get married,” the statement read in part.

The Chief Imam called for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the ban.

Copies of the statement were sent to key authorities and institutions, including the Paramount Chief of Bole (the Bolewura), the police commander for Bole Municipal, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and local media houses such as Nkilgi FM and Yagbon FM.

Below is the statement.