THE INFLUENCE OF THE WEDDING PARTY MOVIE ON THE ATTITUDE OF YOUTH IN INTER TRIBAL RELATIONS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 Background of the Study

The Wedding Party is a 2016 Nigerian romantic comedy, directed by Kemi Adetiba that premiered on 8 September 2016 at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada and on 26 November 2016 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The film was released worldwide on 16 December 2016, and became the highest grossing Nigerian film; a record which was broken in 2017 by its sequel The Wedding Party 2. The movie is about wedding and reception story of an Igbo boy, Dozie Onwuka played by Banky W whose name is Bankoe wellington and Dunni Coker played by (Adesua Etomi), a Yoruba girl. The funny inter-tribal clashes that could have occurred during such event from the beginning of the ceremony to the end. Within this were issues of unfaithfulness both for Dozie and his father, Chief Felix Onwuka played by (Richard Mofe-Damijo). There is the snobbish attitude of Lady Obianuju Onwuka played by (Iretiola Doyle) to the perceptibly loud and seemingly uncultured attitude of Dunni’s family. Dunni’s mother, Tinuade Coker is played by Sola Sobowale while the father, Bamidele Coker is played by veteran comedian, Ali Baba.

Apart from being recognized globally as a matrimonial relationship or union of person(s) who most often are usually of the opposite sex, marriage is an institution which represents all the behaviours, norms, roles, expectations, and values that are associated with legal union of a man and woman (Gove 1986). It is one of the principal life events that mark the passage into mature adulthood, and represents a lifelong commitment by two people to each other (Borgatta and Edgor, 2000; Asana, 1990).

As a system, marriage is consummated, following a series of monumental procedures as practiced and understood by cultures of the parties involved. Different communities recognize patterns and types of marriages according to their cultural/social worldview (Doki, 2011). 

Nigeria, as a part of the wider African society, has been generally characterized with arranged marriages, polygynous marriages and others. The old tribal traditions are disappearing and more Nigerians are adopting Western concepts of marriage (Aiyetan and Kolapo, 2005). This trend has led to an unprecedented increase in inter tribal marriages in Nigeria.

Boateng, cited in Ardayfio-Schandorf,(1990) observed that family background and ethnic origin which were of considerable importance in traditional marriage practice have been replaced by love and affection between partners. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Dynamics of culture and human relationships have made researchers to observe many influences from the movie (wedding party), manifestations and occurrences in marriage within the Nigerian society (Bohanna, 1973; Filani, 1984; Otite and Olayinka, 1987; Ezenkwu, 1998; Umoh and Adeyemi, 2000). These manifestations and occurrences have had significant impact on the stability of marriage in the modern Nigerian society. 

The observation of people’s attitude to inter-tribal marriages in the movie revealed the alarming negative effect of these occurrences in the country especially the youth (Animasahun and Fatile 2011). Factors that militate against the quality of marriage in 21^st century Nigerian society have been a discussion among Nigerian social psychologists, religious authorities, behavioral scientists, sociologists, and anthropologists (Ibokete, 2000; Aiyetan and Kolapo, 2005; Animasahun and Fatile 2011). Yet, a substantial focus of research has reinforced cultural differences as a source of instability, conflict, or dissatisfaction for couples (Cottrell, 1990; Hsu, 2001) rather than an opportunity for transformation (Crippen & Brew, 2007). Many conclude that inter tribal couples face higher levels of marital challenges (Crohn, 1998; Ho, 1990); are more prone to failure (Gurung & Duong, 1999); and are embedded with conflicts related to dormant allegiances of worldview, family structures, and communication patterns (Perel, 2000).

This work explores the dynamics that foster problems in inter tribal marriages in Nigeria with a view to ascertaining the prospects of such marriages in the 21^st century according to the movie “The Wedding Party”.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The specific objectives of this study are:

1. To establish the level of viewership of the wedding party movie among the youths

2. To establish the perception of youths about inter tribal relationships

3. To establish the influence of the wedding party movie on the perception of the youth about inter tribal relationships

1.4    Research Questions

1. What is the level of viewership of the wedding party movie among the youth

2. What is the perception of the youth in inter tribal relationships

3. What is the influence of the wedding party movie on the perception of youths about inter tribal relationship.

1.5 Significance of the Study

1. The contribution of this study to the Nigerian society cannot be overemphasized. This investigation hopes to address the gap in the existing literature on inter tribal marriages in Nigeria. Most literature on the subject do not provide sufficient theoretical framework for considering inter tribal marriage.
   1. The study will also provide information to prospective spouses, families and adults who need to learn about the effects of culture conflict in their marriage. iii. The study will be useful to future researchers on the subject.

iv. It will be an addition to the numerous literature on the subject in the Library. vi.The work will be useful to posterity

 vii. Ethnic families may want to learn strategies for dealing with any threat of culture conflict in their marriages and life.

1.6 The Scope of the study

The study will cover the movie “Wedding Party” on Inter tribal marriage. Throughout the study, it is seen from the perspective of Yoruba marrying Igbo, Efik or Hausa, etc or vice versa. This work not only examines the concept of marriage but goes a step forward to identify the problems that affect inter tribal marriage in Nigeria. It also highlight the effects these problems as well as traces the future of inter tribal marriage in Nigeria.

1.7 Definition of Terms 

Culture: a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society

Marriage: The term “marriage” like culture does not lend itself to a universal definition. Agha (2003: 97) defined marriage as a close partnership of two different people of the opposite sex who have concerted to live and work together as one entity.