A traditional practice known as “Biaken” (or Biakē) in Ogoni land, Rivers State, has gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians shocked by its details.
Biaken is a custom mainly among the Khana people in Ogoni. In this practice, some fathers choose not to give one or more of their daughters out in marriage. Instead, the daughter stays in her father’s house. She has children with different men, and those children belong to her father’s family. The name “Biaken” in the Khana language means “to remain” or “to be retained at home.”ѕєє тнє ν!∂єσ нєяє
This is not a new thing. It is an old tradition meant to keep family lineage and increase the number of children in the family compound. The children born under Biaken carry the mother’s father’s name and stay in that family. It is practised in parts of Ogoniland, which includes areas like Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State.
The topic blew up on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, after a video post by a popular Port Harcourt social media page. The post said: “See a culture in Ogoni land, Rivers State known as ‘Biaken’ where a father will not allow one of his daughters to get married but rather remain in his house and give birth to children for different men.” The video quickly gained thousands of views, likes, and comments within hours.
Many people on social media have reacted strongly. Some called it outdated and unfair to the women. Others defended it as part of Ogoni heritage that should be respected.
One X user who lives near an Ogoni woman shared: “Upon being informed about this particular culture, I initially thought it to be untrue. Opposite my residence resides a woman from Ogoni. She has given birth to fourteen children from different fathers and is the first daughter of her father. She has never been married.”
On Facebook and Instagram, comments are mixed. Some users said it helps families grow stronger, while others argued it exploits young girls and should stop in modern times. A post on Facebook explained: “Biaken culture is specifically practiced by the Ogoni people… It is a cultural practice that refuses a girl…” Many wondered if the daughters have a real choice.
Ogoni people are known for their rich culture, colourful dances, wrestling, and strong fight for environmental rights in the Niger Delta. But this Biaken practice has now brought fresh attention to how some old traditions affect women and family life today.
