Tension is rising in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, as the family of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has 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 traditional declaration officially ending their marriage.
The warning was delivered through an open letter signed by Favour Awele Obi on behalf of the Daniels’ relatives, accusing Nwoko of “disregarding local customs” and allegedly using his political power to intimidate members of the actress’s family amid their marital crisis.
According to the statement, Ogwashi-Uku tradition permits a woman to terminate her marriage once her family returns the bride price paid by her husband. The family claims several efforts to hand back the payment have been rejected by the senator, prompting them to consider a more public route.
They revealed that if Nwoko refuses to accept the money again, it will be symbolically placed at Ikeleke Quarter, a move that, under the community’s custom, signifies an irreversible end to the union.
The letter also denounced the reported arrest of Regina’s siblings — particularly her brother Sammy West, who was allegedly detained on the senator’s orders — describing it as “an act of oppression” and an abuse of power.
“We cannot stand by while our children are intimidated,” the letter read. “Our customs must be respected. No one, no matter how powerful, is above our traditions.”
The family further called for the immediate release of the detained relatives and urged community elders and traditional institutions to intervene before the situation escalates into a larger social and cultural confrontation.
