Relatives of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, demanding that he accept the return of her bride price or face a public declaration formally ending the marriage.
The demand was made in an open letter signed by Favour Awele Obi on behalf of the actress’s family and community. The letter accused the senator of disregarding local customs and allegedly using his political power to intimidate members of Regina’s family.
According to the kinsmen, their customs allow a woman to end her marriage once her family returns the bride price. They said repeated efforts to return the payment had been ignored or rejected by the senator.
“If he fails to accept it again,” the letter warned, “we will be left with no choice but to place the money publicly at Ikeleke Quarter — a symbolic act that, under Ogwashi-Uku custom, signifies the end of the marriage.”
The family’s warning marks the latest chapter in growing tension between Regina Daniels’ relatives and Senator Nwoko. In Ogwashi-Uku tradition, the bride price is an important part of marriage rites. If the couple separates, returning the bride price formally dissolves the union and restores the woman’s freedom to remarry.
However, the family claims that despite several attempts to follow the traditional process, the senator has refused to receive the returned payment. They argue that this refusal violates the cultural rights of both Regina and her community.
The letter also condemned what it described as acts of oppression and intimidation allegedly linked to Nwoko, including the reported arrest of Regina’s siblings.
“We find it unacceptable that members of our family are being harassed and detained,” the statement said. “The community calls for their immediate release and for the senator to respect our customs.”
Community elders reportedly held meetings earlier in the week to discuss the growing conflict and to decide on a course of action should Nwoko fail to respond to the 48-hour ultimatum. Under Ogwashi-Uku custom, placing the bride price at Ikeleke Quarter —a sacred space used for important declarations is a public and irreversible act that confirms the end of a marriage.
Regina Daniels, a popular Nollywood actress and film producer, married Senator Ned Nwoko, a businessman and politician from Delta State, in 2019. Their marriage made headlines across Nigeria due to the wide age gap between them — Nwoko was in his late fifties while Regina was in her late teens at the time.
The couple has since welcomed children together and often appeared in public events and on social media, portraying a happy family life. However, recent reports have hinted at tension between Regina and her husband, with claims that the marriage has been under strain for months.
Neither Regina nor Nwoko has issued a formal statement about the latest development, but the open letter from her family appears to confirm that the relationship has broken down beyond repair.
In the open letter, Regina’s relatives expressed disappointment that Senator Nwoko, who is also from Delta State, would allegedly disregard the traditions of his wife’s people.
“Our customs are clear,” the letter read. “When a marriage ends, the woman’s family has the right to return the bride price, and the man is expected to accept it respectfully. To refuse is to disrespect our culture and the dignity of our people.”
The family added that they would not allow wealth or political influence to override their traditions. They accused Nwoko of using his position and influence to suppress voices within the community.
The letter also described the senator’s alleged refusal to accept the bride price as “an attempt to hold Regina against her will,” a claim that further inflamed debate online.
Social media users have since reacted strongly, with many calling for a peaceful resolution and urging both sides to respect traditional and legal processes.
With the 48-hour ultimatum now in effect, all eyes are on Senator Nwoko to see whether he will accept the bride price and allow the traditional process to run its course. If he fails to respond, Regina’s relatives say they will proceed with the symbolic act of placing the money at Ikeleke Quarter, a move that would effectively end the union under Ogwashi-Uku custom.
