Businessman Francis Van-Lare has stated that the late Dr. Ikenna Erinne, a US-based Nigerian doctor, should not be referred to as his son-in-law because he never fulfilled the traditional marriage requirements for his daughter.
Dr. Erinne, a 36-year-old medical professional from Anambra State, reportedly took his own life on Sunday, January 26. His death has sparked discussions online, particularly about his personal and financial struggles.
In a social media post, Van-Lare expressed frustration over what he described as a misrepresentation of facts. He noted that in Nigerian tradition, especially among the Igbo people, a marriage is not valid unless the groom pays the bride price. Since Erinne did not complete this requirement, Van-Lare insists he should not be called a son-in-law.
“Most Nigerians think with emotions, not with reality and facts. How is someone who never paid bride price for my daughter a son-in-law? He is even an Anambra man like me,” he wrote.
Van-Lare also spoke about the values of Anambra men, describing them as family-oriented and responsible. However, he criticized Erinne for allegedly refusing to pay $1,900 per month in child support, despite earning a high salary as a doctor.
“Anambra men are very proud of their family, hence most women like them. This one, earning big money, is refusing to pay ordinary $1,900 a month. Nobody should call him my son-in-law for someone I have only seen three times!” he added.
He further compared the situation to that of his first daughter’s marriage, noting that her foreign husband followed all traditional customs, unlike Erinne. Van-Lare also made a controversial remark, stating that Anambra men always find a way to support their families, even if it involves engaging in illegal activities such as internet fraud.
Erinne’s tragic passing has been linked to a recent court ruling that ordered him to pay $15,000 annually in child support after losing a custody battle.
