Businessman, Francis Van-Lare, has stated that Dr. Ikenna Erinne, the late US-based Nigerian doctor, should not be referred to as his son-in-law, as no traditional marriage took place between him and his daughter.

Dr. Erinne, a 36-year-old medical professional from Anambra State, reportedly committed suicide on Sunday, January 26.

In a social media post, Van-Lare expressed frustration over what he called a misrepresentation of facts, emphasizing that Erinne never paid the bride price for his daughter—a key requirement for a valid marriage in Nigerian tradition.

“Most Nigerians think with emotions, not with reality and facts. How is someone who never paid bride price for my daughter a son-in-law? He is even an Anambra man like me,” he wrote.

Van-Lare further highlighted the cultural values of Anambra men, describing them as family-oriented and generous. However, he criticised Erinne for allegedly refusing to pay $1,900 per month in child support despite earning a substantial income.

“Anambra men are very proud of their family, hence most women like them. This one, earning big money, is refusing to pay ordinary $1,900 a month. Nobody should call him my son-in-law for someone I have only seen three times!” he added.

The businessman also compared the situation to his first daughter’s marriage, noting that her foreign husband fulfilled all traditional marriage obligations, unlike Erinne. Additionally, he claimed that Anambra men always find a way to provide for their families, even if it means engaging in ‘yahoo yahoo’ (internet fraud) to support their loved ones.

His comments come in the wake of reports that Erinne tragically took his own life after losing a custody battle and being ordered to pay $15,000 annually in child support.