A Nigerian lady has stirred conversations online after sharing her opinion about Omugwo and expectations involving mothers-in-law after childbirth.
In a viral video, she questioned why it is automatically expected that the husband’s mother should come for Omugwo without considering the demands of caring for a newborn.
“Which one be say na husband mother suppose to come do omugwo? Hope if I’m ordering your mother around, you won’t complain?”
She made it clear that as a breastfeeding mother, she cannot be expected to cook and also cater for a visiting mother-in-law. Any mother coming for Omugwo must be ready to actively assist in the home.
“You can’t expect me to just watch your mother sitting without doing anything as a breastfeeding mother. If your mum will be the one coming for our Omugwo, just know I will be sending her on errands.”
The internet is divided.
One person wrote: “She is right. Omugwo is not a vacation. The mother is there to help, not to be served.”
Another said: “This is disrespectful. You don’t order your husband’s mother around like a maid.”
Someone else added: “In our culture, the mother-in-law is respected. She comes to guide, not to be a house help.”
A different voice said: “Many mothers-in-law sit and watch the new mother suffer. That is not Omugwo.”
The debate continues online as social media users share different opinions about family roles, Omugwo traditions, and boundaries in marriage.
What do you think — should a mother-in-law work during Omugwo or be treated as a guest?
Who Should Be In Charge Of Caregiving After Child Birth, Between The Husband’s Mother And The Wife’s Mother? pic.twitter.com/AJOVNY7zVI
— The Benin Blogger (@TheBeninBlogger) May 22, 2026
