Traditionally, Nigeria is a polygamous society; it is lawful for a man to have several wives at the same time provided he marries under customary law. ... A man wishing to marry more than one wife may lawfully do so under native laws and customs which recognises polygamous marriage.
How many wives can a man in Nigeria have?
Moslems make up a slim majority of the nation's population, and Islamic law allows a man to have four wives . But anyone, whether Moslem or Christian, can choose to wed under Nigeria's Marriage Act, which legally recognizes only one wife.
Can a man legally marry two wives in Nigeria?
It is legal . ... Though the official marriage registry only allows for one wife, it also has a clause that allows for marriage under “customary” law.
Can a man legally marry two wives?
United States. Polygamy is the act or condition of a person marrying another person while still being lawfully married to another spouse. It is illegal in the United States.
How many wives can a man have in Africa?
In most West African countries, polygamy is also recognised and regulated by the civil law that allows a man to marry up to four women under certain conditions, including the financial capacity to support multiple wives and families. In practice, a polygamous union is in most cases limited to two women per couple.
What is a customary marriage in Nigeria?
Traditional/Customary marriage is a marriage ceremony that has been conducted in accordance with the customs of the bride and groom's families . In Nigeria this could involve the paying of bride price, giving of gifts, etc. Marriage under the Act is a marriage that has been performed in compliance with the Marriage Act.
What is the punishment for bigamy in Nigeria?
‘Any person who, having a husband or wife living, marries in any case in which such marriage is void by reason of its taking place during the life of such. husband or wife is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for seven years ‘.
Is it a sin to have multiple wives?
“In the case of polygamy, there is a universal standard – it is understood to be a sin , therefore polygamists are not admitted to positions of leadership including Holy Orders, nor after acceptance of the Gospel can a convert take another wife, nor, in some areas, are they admitted to Holy Communion.”
Where is it legal to have 2 wives?
| Country 2021 Population | Solomon Islands 703,996 | Maldives 543,617 | Brunei 441,532 | Sao Tome And Principe 223,368 |
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What countries allow multiple wives?
- Algeria.
- Cameroon.
- Chad.
- Central African Republic.
- Republic of the Congo.
- Djibouti.
- Egypt.
- Gabon: Both men and women can join in polygamous marriage with the other gender under Gabonese law. In practice, the right to multiple spouses is reserved for men only.
Can a woman have many husbands?
Polyandry , marriage of a woman to two or more men at the same time; the term derives from the Greek polys, “many,” and anēr, andros, “man.” When the husbands in a polyandrous marriage are brothers or are said to be brothers, the institution is called adelphic, or fraternal, polyandry.
How many wives can a Gambian man have?
Polygamy in Gambia. Information: In Gambia polygamy is a widely accepted (if not a widely debated) practice. Islamic tradition allows a man to marry up to four wives .
What are the 3 types of marriage in Nigeria?
Nigerian law envisages 3 types of marriages namely; Traditional/Customary marriage; Church/Islamic marriage and Statutory marriage .
What are the two types of marriage in Nigeria?
Nigerian law envisages 3 types of marriages namely; Traditional/Customary marriage ; Church/Islamic marriage and Statutory marriage.
How can we stop customary marriage in Nigeria?
A customary law marriage can be dissolved without any judicial intervention or pronouncement , which means that the parties can end the marriage on their own without instituting any action in court for an order of dissolution of the marriage.
Is bigamy still a crime in Nigeria?
The Black's Law Dictionary defined bigamy as ‘the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another'. ... Bigamy is generally a criminal offense , and it is governed by the Criminal Code of various southern states in Nigeria and the Penal Code of various northern states in Nigeria.
