The Owanbe season is back in Lagos and, as usual, the city is bubbling with glamorous parties, lavish decorations and an endless flow of high society events.
But behind the glitz, some celebrities are beginning to confess that the cost of appearing at these parties is becoming unbearable.
Actress Biola Bayo set the conversation rolling after she openly lamented the rising price of Aso Ebi in a video that has now gone viral.
She explained that the trend is forcing many celebrities to rethink how often they attend social gatherings.
Biola said the number of invites she receives is not the issue.
According to her, the real struggle is the soaring cost of the fabrics that hosts expect guests to purchase before attending their events.
She explained that buying Aso Ebi has become a financial burden that keeps piling up every month, especially during festive seasons when the number of events doubles.
She also noted that many celebrities feel pressured to attend because they do not want to disappoint their supporters and friends.
Biola’s frustration mirrors the growing concern among other entertainers who believe the habit has gotten out of hand.
She emphasised that there is now a silent competition around who wears the most expensive fabric to parties.
Another actress, Jaye, joined the conversation and revealed that Aso Ebi prices now range between three hundred thousand and four hundred thousand naira.
She said these figures are becoming almost ridiculous for something worn only once.
She added that celebrities sometimes have to buy up to three or four different Aso Ebi in one month.
This, according to her, is draining bank accounts faster than many fans can imagine.
Many entertainers have privately admitted that this lifestyle is unsustainable.
They revealed that not every party is worth the expense, no matter how close the host might be.
Some celebrities also confessed that they feel embarrassed turning down invitations because supporters often interpret it as pride or lack of appreciation.
Yet, the financial reality is now forcing them to reconsider how they show up in public.
Biola Bayo pointed out that the pressure to fit in at Lagos parties is real.
She said the expectation that every celebrity must look expensive every weekend is pushing many into unnecessary spending.
She stressed that the growing cost of maintaining this public image is something most people outside the industry do not fully understand.
According to her, it is not about being stingy or ungrateful, it is about managing finances wisely.
The actress said she does not want to keep buying outfits that she may never wear again.
She admitted that these purchases are beginning to leave a strain on her budget.
Fans have reacted to her message with mixed feelings, with some believing that celebrities should not complain because their lifestyle appears glamorous.
Others argued that no one deserves to go broke simply because they want to attend social gatherings.
Observers say the conversation has opened the door for a broader discussion about financial discipline in the entertainment industry.
Many believe celebrities should be able to say no without fear of backlash.
As the Owanbe season continues, it is becoming clear that more celebrities may start turning down party invites.
The rising cost of Aso Ebi is no longer just a fashion trend. It is now a financial wake up call for many.
Despite this growing concern, some people say the trend is unlikely to affect the energy of Lagos parties.
Hosts and party enthusiasts are still going all out, insisting that Owanbe culture will always thrive no matter the cost.
Some celebrities like Anita Joseph have openly stated that they cannot completely pull out of parties.
She explained that her presence at certain events is tied to relationships, brand deals and industry loyalty.
Actress Bimbo Afolayan also shared her view, saying she sometimes feels trapped between financial discipline and social obligations.
She noted that missing important events could be misinterpreted as disrespect, especially in an industry where appearances matter.
On the other hand, actress Wumi Toriola revealed that she has already started cutting back.
Her strategy is simple: attend fewer events to avoid excessive spending on single-use outfits.
This personal economizing contrasts sharply with the wider trend, as the party culture continues to expand.
The “Owanbe” spirit in Lagos is clearly unshaken; where one celebrity pulls back their attendance, another steps up, keeping the social calendar full.
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