Adrian Hastings in his fourth point categorization of Polygamy among Christian thoughts observed, “There are, it would seem, four basic positions a Christian could take in regard to polygamous marriage”.
1. Polygamy is simply a sin, comparable with Adultery.
2. Polygamy is an inferior form of marriage, not sinful where it is the custom but always unacceptable for Christians.
3. Polygamy is a form of marriage less satisfactory than monogamy and one which cannot do justice to the full spirit of Christian marriage but in certain circumstance individual Christian can still put up with it, as they put up with slavery, dictatorial government, and much else.
4. Polygamy is one form of marriage, monogamy …show more content…
As a social institution, marriage is founded on, and governed by social and religious norm of society. Consequently, the sanctity of marriage is a well-accepted principle in the world in the world community. Marriage is the root of the family and society. Marriages in Nigeria take place under three legal systems: Islamic (Maliki school of law), civil (statutory law), and customary (tribal/traditional law). In general, marriages in the northern states of the country, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebi, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara are under Islamic law, while those in the south are under statutory law. However, even when couples marry under statutory law, customary law generally prevails in personal matters. Customary law tends to vary "from one ethnic group to another, from state to state, and most often from one town to …show more content…
This was done without the consent of the children. Unlike in most European countries two system of marriage are recognized in Nigeria, namely, the monogamous and the polygamous. These two systems of marriage differ fundamentally in character and incidents. It is therefore, important to keep this dualism in view in every consideration of the marriage law in Nigeria in order to avoid any