It is no longer news nor surprising that women in modern Nigeria can afford to share their spouse with another woman. But the rate at which this practice is increasing in Nigeria has become worrisome.
Not minding their level of education, the consciousness of the average African man especially those raised in the cultural setting, has not changed. Regardless of the level of westernization imbibed by an average African man in terms of his academic qualification, exposure, dressing, among others, when it comes to marriage, he remains an African man in his consciousness.
So, is polygamy sanctioned by the Nigerian Constitution? I did a Google search and everywhere I went, authors specifically stated that polygamy is legal under Nigeria's Constitution. Since I typically never trust anything until I have seen it with my own eyes, I took a look at the Constitution. I can unequivocally say that I did not come across the term 'Polygamy' in the Constitution. In fact, marriage was mainly referred to in the context of Sharia Law. Now, I know that many Nigerian men marry more than one wife (and can even maintain a few mistresses all at once) and I have never had the impression that such is illegal. So, I will simply associate this general belief that polygamy is legal to the fact that polygamy is a cultural/religious practice. Maybe that is why the Constitution failed to address it. Or, maybe it was ignored the same way tribes were not registered during the last national census.
Interesting, I always thought that polygamy was considered legal in all parts of Africa. My sister's ex husband is from Kenya and the way he conducted himself in their marriage (dating multiple women) it was like second nature to him. I can not understand for the life of me why any woman, regardless of cultural background, would be willing to submit to such behaviors. I am a very territorial person and what is mine is mine and I am not willing to share. But I guess everything isn't meant to be understood, thx for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have been introduced to several cultures and try to be culturally sensitive. I realize this is a way of life for some people but as I read through your post I find myself sad for the many women in Nigeria. I think the word polygamy tends to have a (well-earned) negative connotation so I imagine they likely hide it in the wording or completely avoid addressing it as you mentioned. Thank you for bringing this to mind, it reminds me I should be thankful for my freedoms.
ReplyDeleteThanks for researching this so throughly - I learned quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many dangers associated with polygamy that are too numerous to mention. Even in the United States some cultures currently practice polygamy. Once, while watching an episode of Oprah about polygamy, one of the wives mentioned to the husband that she would like to have an additional husband. To which the husband replied, "I would have a problem with that."
ReplyDelete