Nollywood star Biola Bayo has shared her frustration over the growing financial burden of attending multiple social events, popularly known as owambe, before the end of the year.
In a candid video posted on her Instagram page, the Yoruba actress revealed that she has about eight owambes lined up before December, estimating that the total cost of asoebi alone would amount to nearly ₦2 million — a sum she says she can no longer afford.
Biola stated that while she loves to celebrate with friends and colleagues, she plans to stop buying new asoebi fabrics and instead wear what she already owns.
“Please, nobody should take this personal with me 🙏.
I cannot afford it, please!
If you give me, I’ll gladly make my iro and buba to come honor you.
I have enough responsibilities than spending so much on clothes that I can hardly wear twice… common!”
She further explained that parties have never been a form of relaxation for her, and she attends them mainly out of respect for those inviting her.
“If I’m coming to your party, it’s just because I want to honor you, and I can honorably do that without spending so much,” she added.
Biola Bayo’s post has sparked conversations online about the pressure celebrities face to keep up appearances at social gatherings and the rising cost of asoebi culture in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
