Dissolution of Customary and Statutory Marriages with a Single "Stroke"

Abstract

Nigeria operates a dual system of marriage laws that allows the same parties who married under customary law to proceed and marry under the Act if they so wish. Since both marriages are under the jurisdiction of different courts. This article seeks to address the misconception that, to determine both marriages, only the statutory marriage should be dissolved. Literature was reviewed via documented sources and relevant decided cases. The need to urgently revisit finally and properly resolve the controversies surrounding the dissolution of marriages contracted between the same parties under Customary Law is suggested.