Nigerian Customary Marriages: A Lawyer Explains How to Dissolve Them

Customary Marriages in Nigeria: Understanding the Dissolution Process Nigeria's diverse legal landscape includes customary marriages, often governed by local traditions. Recently, there's been increased awareness of how these marriages can be dissolved. One legal practitioner, Celebrity Lawyer (The Monarch), explains that these unions can end either through formal court proceedings or informally, sometimes by simply returning the bride price. However, many individuals remain unaware of their legal marital status. "Customary marriages can be dissolved judicially or extra-judicially — yes, returning bride price alone can end a marriage," says Celebrity Lawyer (The Monarch) in a recent video. "So why are some people still legally ‘married’ without knowing it?" This highlights the need for better legal education and awareness. The video emphasizes the importance of consulting a lawyer to understand one's rights and options when navigating a customary marriage dissolution. Seeking legal advice ensures a smooth and legally sound process, preventing potential future complications.