What is the irony of the title "Marriage Is a Private Affair"?

The title
of 's short story is an example of verbal . Verbal irony occurs when words are used to suggest
the opposite of what is meant. Rather than being private, the marriage in question, between Nene
and Nnaemeka, is actually quite public. The topic is the center of conversation in the small
village where Nnaemeka grew up and where his father, Okeke, still lives. His father and the
other men of the village lament the fact that Nnaemeka is marrying a girl who is not from his
own ethnic group. Nnaemeka is Ibo while Nene is from the Ibibio tribe. Okeke is very much
against the marriage and disowns his son for eight years. The men of the village even suggest
that Nnaemeka is in need of an herbal remedy because he is not thinking right. Likewise, in
Lagos, where Nnaemeka and Nene live, the marriage is discussed and frowned upon by the Ibo women
who live there. Gradually, however, they come to the conclusion that Nene is acceptable and
admit that she keeps her home nicer than they do. Even the father eventually comes around and it
is suggested at the end of the story that he will accept Nnaemeka's wife and two
sons.