The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has raised concerns about the implications of polygamy in modern Nigerian society, urging men to reconsider having multiple wives, especially if they are financially unable to support them. During the 30th annual Ramadan lecture of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Emir pointed out that while Islam permits polygamy, it doesn’t mean that every man is in a financial position to maintain multiple households.
He cited his own palace as an example, where 192 families live, some with over 50 children, questioning how men could adequately care for such large numbers of dependents. His advice was for men facing financial challenges to limit themselves to one wife in order to provide better care and support for their families.
The Emir also called for reforms in the Islamiyya education system to better address the rights of girls, believing that such changes could help create more progressive and balanced communities. He further criticized the judiciary, referring to a case where a woman was imprisoned over a small debt of N6,000. He suggested that the judiciary’s approach to such cases often exacerbates societal problems, citing his own intervention in securing the release of people jailed for minor offenses.
On the topic of family disputes, the Emir emphasized the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in resolving issues such as marriage, inheritance, and land conflicts, which are common sources of tension in families.
In support of the Emir’s views, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, called on the Ulama (Islamic scholars) to encourage men to take greater responsibility within their homes, especially as many household responsibilities have increasingly fallen on women.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Nafisa Isah, the Amirah of FOMWAN Kaduna State, announced plans to establish a fully operational skills acquisition center to empower women and youth in the region, highlighting the ongoing efforts to uplift both groups economically and socially.
This discourse touches on various aspects of societal change, from family dynamics to education and justice, reflecting a desire to promote a more responsible and balanced approach to community life in Northern Nigeria.