Polygamy Best Marriage for Africa, Monogamy Not Working – Okey Bakassi
Nigerian comedian and actor, Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, has sparked debate by asserting that polygamy is a more suitable marriage structure for Africa, arguing that monogamy is not effective in the continent’s context.
Bakassi shared his views during an appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast, where he suggested that many people in monogamous relationships are merely pretending to be content.
“Forget all the lip services that we pay to polygamy here. I still think that polygamy is the best form of marriage for Africa. Monogamy is not working,” Bakassi stated.
He went on to question the rigidity of monogamous norms, comparing them with polygamy. “What’s the difference between polygamy and monogamy? Polygamy says you can marry two people at the same time. Monogamy says you cannot marry them at the same time, you have to let one go. What if you don’t want to let one go?”
Cultural Context and Controversy
Polygamy has long been a part of many African traditions, though modern legal systems and religious influences have largely promoted monogamy as the standard marital framework. Bakassi’s comments challenge this norm, reigniting discussions on whether cultural practices should take precedence over imported marital systems.
Critics and supporters alike have taken to social media to react to his remarks, with some applauding his candidness while others argue for the emotional and logistical complexities associated with polygamous marriages.
As conversations around marriage structures continue to evolve, Bakassi’s comments underscore the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in African societies.
