Uncategorized
KWASU Don Urges Legal Reforms to End Discrimination Against Polygyny in Nigeria
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
A Professor of Comparative Law at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Najeem Adeyemi Ijaiya, has called for far-reaching legal reforms to stop what he described as systemic discrimination against polygyny and its adherents in Nigeria’s legal framework.
Professor Ijaiya made the call on Tuesday while delivering the 2nd Valedictory Lecture of the Department of Islamic Law at the KWASU Mini Convocation Arena, Malete, ahead of his retirement from academic service. The lecture was titled Law as an Instrument of Social Change: Any Hope for Polygyny?
Speaking before a distinguished audience that included members of the university management, legal practitioners, judges, scholars and students, the senior academic argued that Nigerian law has largely favoured monogamy inherited from English common law, to the detriment of marriages conducted under Islamic and customary law.
“As a product of polygyny myself, I am deeply concerned that polygyny is being painted negatively in Nigeria, not only by civilisation but also through legal instruments,” Ijaiya said. “Yet, law is meant to be an instrument of social change. The question is: why has the law turned against polygyny in a plural society like ours?”
He noted that Nigeria operates a plural legal system that recognises customary law, Islamic law and received English law, but lamented that statutory provisions have elevated monogamous marriage above other lawful marriage systems.
According to him, constitutional and statutory provisions have created an uneven playing field by conferring what he described as “national status” on monogamous marriages while localising Islamic and customary marriages, under which polygyny is practised.
“The validity of marriage systems under Islamic and customary law should not depend on the nod of common law,” he said. “It is unjustifiable for the law to criminalise a man who switches from monogamy to polygyny through the offence of bigamy, while applauding a man who abandons polygyny for monogamy.”
Ijaiya also faulted policies such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, which he said were designed with monogamous families in mind, thereby disadvantaging polygynous families with larger household sizes.
He further criticised inheritance practices that exclude children from polygynous unions contracted after a statutory marriage, describing them as unconstitutional and contrary to the spirit of equality guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
However, the professor said recent judicial decisions offered renewed hope, citing the 2024 Court of Appeal judgment in Mohammad v. Mohammad, which affirmed the inheritance rights of wives and children from subsequent Islamic marriages.
“The court has made it clear that a marriage under the Marriage Act cannot vitiate a subsequent marriage under Islamic law,” he said. “This decision shows that law can indeed serve as an instrument of social change, even for polygyny.”
Addressing concerns about gender equality, Ijaiya argued that polygyny should not be condemned wholesale, stressing that abuse can occur in both monogamous and polygynous unions.
“What the law should do is not to criminalise polygyny, but to regulate it,” he said. “Women in polygynous marriages deserve protection, dignity, property rights and enforceable maintenance, just like women in monogamous marriages.”
He proposed several reforms, including equal legal recognition for polygynous marriages, optional civil registration of such unions, review of bigamy laws, harmonisation of marriage certification, and the enactment of Islamic and customary marriage laws by states to complement the Marriage Act.
Ijaiya also proposed the establishment of a Centre for Law and Social Change at KWASU to drive research and policy advocacy on pressing social issues.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, commended the valedictory lecturer for his decades of scholarship and service to legal education, describing the lecture as intellectually stimulating and socially relevant.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Faculty of Law, as Professor Ijaiya reflected on an academic career spanning nearly three decades across the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin and Kwara State University.
“Polygyny is not an aberration to be tolerated in silence,” he concluded. “It is a legitimate expression of cultural diversity and marital choice. Law must rise above prejudice and reflect the plural values of Nigerian society.”
Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, and Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami, Former President Court of Appeal Nigeria (Rtd) CFR, were among the dignitaries in attendance.
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a full investigation into the building collapse in Abuja, revealing that an engineer connected to the project has already been arrested.
Wike also disclosed that the developer behind the structure would be arrested as investigations continue. He said a panel had been constituted to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
Speaking during a visit to the scene on Monday, the Minister described the incident as “very pathetic,” stressing that the government would not compromise on the safety of residents.
“From the report I received, five persons lost their lives while some others were rescued. Nobody is happy when lives are lost,” Wike said.
He confirmed that the Department of Development Control had sealed off the site, adding that preliminary investigations were already underway pending the panel’s final report.
“One of the engineers has already been arrested. From there, we will get to the developer, and the developer will also be arrested,” he stated.
Wike warned developers against obstructing officials of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) from carrying out routine inspections on construction sites.
According to him, some developers resort to blackmail whenever government agencies attempt to enforce building regulations instead of complying with laid-down standards.
“Sometimes when government officials take action at construction sites, some people choose to blackmail them rather than understand why such actions are necessary,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the need for strict compliance with building standards, including proper soil testing and the use of quality materials, to prevent future tragedies.
“In every building project, the quality of materials used must be verified. Soil tests must also be conducted to determine whether the land can support two floors, three floors, or more. These things are very important,” he explained.
Wike maintained that the government’s primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property, lamenting that the lives lost in the incident could never be replaced.
“How can those lives be brought back? They are gone forever. Government has a duty to protect life and property,” he added.
From Hassan Taiye
Former Kaduna Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yerima Shettima.
A former Kaduna Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yerima Shettima, has withdrawn from the race and pledged support for all candidates of the party ahead of the forthcoming general election.
Shettima announced his withdrawal at a press conference on Sunday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection.
The former aspirant explained that his action was taken in deference to the decision of the APC regarding the Kaduna Central senatorial contest.
“After wide consultations and deep reflection, I have decided to respect the decision of our great party regarding the senatorial contest,” he said.
He stressed that the withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of fear or weakness, but as a demonstration of loyalty to party unity and discipline.
“This decision is not borne out of fear, weakness or cowardice, but rather from my unwavering commitment to party unity, discipline and collective progress,” Shettima stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling party and vowed to continue supporting its success at all levels.
“As a loyal and committed party man, I remain steadfast in my support for the APC and reaffirm my readiness to
continue contributing my quota towards the victory of our great party,” he added.
Shettima also appealed to his supporters and political associates to remain calm and support candidates produced by the APC.
“The unity and success of the APC must remain our collective priority,” he said.
The former aspirant further called for reconciliation among aggrieved party members to strengthen cohesion within the party ahead of the elections.
He expressed appreciation to members of the Capacity Movement, led by Sani Shehu Sado, and his campaign council for their support during the political process.
Shettima also reaffirmed his support for the President and the Kaduna State Governor.
“I hereby formally announce my withdrawal from the Kaduna Central Senatorial race in good spirit and align accordingly with party decisions,” he declared.
The development comes amid growing political realignments within the APC in Kaduna State following the party’s recent primary elections, which produced candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In recent weeks, some aspirants and party stakeholders have raised concerns over the conduct of the primaries, alleging irregularities and manipulation in certain contests.
However, party leaders have continued to urge aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation and work for the unity of the APC.
Stephen Olufemi Oni Ilorin
Despite denial, documents Indicate that Senator Saliu Mustapha Is in the Kwara Central senatorial race Against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite claims of backing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s senatorial bid for the Kwara Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, party documents reveal that the incumbent Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, is in the race against Governor AbdulRazaq.
According to party documents, while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is listed as No. 17 among the cleared aspirants to participate in today’s senatorial race in Kwara State, Sen. Saliu Mustapha is listed as No. 18, making him the only contestant against the Kwara State Governor for the Kwara Central senatorial seat.
Meanwhile, Senator Mustapha had, via a statement issued by his media assistant, Nasir Sholagberu, earlier today, claimed he is backing Governor AbdulRazaq for Kwara Central Senate, while calling for peaceful and orderly primaries.
Speaking on the Kwara Central Senatorial District contest, the Senator expressed strong support for the aspiration of the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is the sole contestant for the APC senatorial ticket in the district ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the emergence of Governor AbdulRazaq as the lone aspirant is a clear indication of the immense respect, acceptance, and confidence he enjoys among party stakeholders and members across the state.
Senator Mustapha noted that the development reflects the belief among party leaders and stakeholders that Governor AbdulRazaq deserves such recognition and preeminence in view of his contributions to the growth and stability of the party and the state.
He further wished the Governor and all other aspirants participating in the primaries across the state a peaceful, successful, and rancour-free exercise.
The appearance of Sen. Saliu on the list of contestants for the Kwara Central Senatorial race has, however, raised concerns among Kwarans, who expected that the Senator was actually in the race for the Kwara State gubernatorial election.
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Abuja Building Collapse: Wike Orders Full Probe, Engineer Arrested
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