13/03/2026
Looking at a wedding photo always brings a certain warmth to the heart. It captures the joy, excitement, and hopeful expectations that come with the beginning of a marital journey.
On that day, two people stand before family, friends, and God believing that their union will last forever.
The truth is simple: no one enters marriage with the intention of divorce. Every couple starts with enthusiasm, dreams, and a commitment to build a home together.
Over the years in legal practice, I have had the opportunity to handle several divorce and dissolution proceedings — both statutory marriages and customary marriages.
One thing remains clear from those experiences: marriages often break down not because love never existed, but because challenges were not managed in time.
A few principles that help sustain a blissful marriage include:
• Effective communication – talk openly and listen with understanding.
• Mutual respect – honour each other's dignity and individuality.
• Patience and tolerance – every marriage faces difficult seasons.
• Commitment to growth – couples must grow together, not apart.
• Shared values and faith – these provide stability during challenging times.
It is also important to understand the legal nature of marriages in Nigeria.
In many cases, a church wedding that does not carry the statutory flavour under the Marriage Act may legally be regarded as a customary marriage.
This distinction becomes important when issues arise.
For statutory marriages, dissolution is handled by the High Court under matrimonial causes laws.
For customary marriages, however, dissolution is handled by the Customary Court.
The process generally involves:
• Filing a petition for dissolution.
• The court hearing both parties and sometimes members of the families.
• Attempts at reconciliation by the court.
• If reconciliation fails, the court may dissolve the marriage.
• In many customs, refund of the bride price (in whole or part) signifies the final termination of the marriage.
Recently, someone reached out to formalize the dissolution of a customary marriage after being separated from her husband for several years.
Situations like this remind us that while the law provides remedies, the ideal is always to build marriages that endure.
Marriage is beautiful, but it requires daily effort, understanding, and commitment.
If you are married, continue to invest in your relationship.
If you are planning to marry, prepare for the responsibilities of marriage, not just the ceremony.
And if you ever need guidance on family law issues, divorce proceedings, or dissolution of customary marriages, do not hesitate to seek proper legal advice.
Strong families build strong communities.
What do you believe is the most important ingredient for a lasting marriage?
Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇
