Civil marriage in Nigeria is gradually becoming very popular amongst a growing population with less inclinations to religion and its conservatism.
Civil marriage in Nigeria is very important because it is recognized by the law and also serves as an evidence of a marriage contract between a couple.
Before having a civil wedding, there are some vital things you need to know that will prepare you for the process and guide your decisions.
Legal marriage is protected under the Marriage Act, Chapter 218 of Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. There are two main marriage registries in Nigeria which are:
1. Federal Marriage Registries:
LAGOS – Ikoyi Registry (covers all those resident in Lagos, South-South, South East and South West)
ABUJA – Wuse 2 (covers all those resident in the Northern region)
2. All States have various Registries at the State and Local Government level.
Whichever kind of marriage registry you choose, the process involved in having a civil wedding follows the same guidelines which have been summarized below:
Filing of marriage notice:
Once you have decided to have a civil wedding, the intending bride or groom will obtain a form from their registry of choice to indicate their intention to marry. The form is a
You will also need to submit two coloured passport photographs.
The form is then posted on the
After the expiration of the notice and payment of the Prescribed Fee (this differs at each registry), the Registrar would issue a Form C after the following criteria has been met and satisfied:
That one of the parties has been resident within the district in which the marriage is intended to be celebrated.
That each of the parties to the intended marriage (not being a widower or widow) is twenty-one years old, and if under that age, the consent hereinafter made requisite has been obtained in writing and is annexed to such affidavit (meaning you have to get written permission/consent from the bride-to-be’s parent or legal guardian).
That there is not any impediment of kindred or affinity, or any other lawful hindrance to the marriage
That neither of the parties to the intended marriage is married by customary law to any person other than the person with whom such marriage is proposed to be contracted.
Once the requirements mentioned above have been confirmed, the couple would swear an affidavit before the registrar or recognized minister of religion. During the sworn affidavit, the registrar would reiterate the above Prohibitive degrees and also explain the penalties involved.
Failure to disclose a breach in any of the above makes the defaulter liable to two years imprisonment.
Thereafter, the Registrar signs a declaration/affidavit to show that the couple understands the implications under the law and have met and satisfied all that has been required of them.
Upon proof that there is no lawful impediment to the proposed marriage, and that the necessary consent, if any, to such marriage has been obtained, the Minister will dispense with the giving of notice, issue the certificate, and grant his/her license, known as Form D, authorizing the celebration of a marriage between the parties named in such license.
The couple then selects a date for the wedding, usually within three months from the date the notice was placed with the registry.
On the wedding day, the couple alongside their family members and friends would go to the registry to finalize the marriage proceedings. There would be other couples that will also show up for their own celebration, and as such each couple is given a specific time that must be adhered to.
The ceremony is usually not longer than 30 minutes. During the proceedings, the Registrar would print the marriage certificates in duplicate and with counterfoils as in the FORM E. The officiating minister will fill up in duplicate a marriage certificate with the particulars required by Form E, and enter in the counterfoil the number of the certificate, the date of the marriage, names of the parties, and the names of the witnesses.
The certificate will then be signed in duplicate by the officiating minister, by the parties, and by two or more witnesses to the marriage. The minister having also signed his name to the counterfoil will deliver one certificate to the parties, and within seven days, thereafter file the same in his office.
Every Registrar will then register the marriage in a book called the Marriage Register Book, every certificate of marriage filed in his office according to the FORM F… and viola! You’re married!
The civil marriage in Nigeria is by far the cheapest among the other types of marriage ceremonies in Nigeria, though it has got a longer procedure and all criteria must be met.
#SpotlightAfricaThrowBackSeries Ado-Ekiti Indigenes Celebrate the Life and Times of Late Chief Ogunremi
Ado-Ekiti witnessed an outpouring of tributes as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to honour the life of High Chief Oluwasesan Ogunremi, the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti and a respected leader of the traditional warlord chiefs in the kingdom.
The funeral began with a Christian wake and service of songs at the open grounds of St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, before proceeding to the deceased’s compound in the Idolofin axis of the town for the main service. The ceremony, attended by top figures from within and outside Ekiti, featured prayers, thanksgiving, and eulogies in recognition of the late chief’s contributions to his community.
Following the service, Chief Ogunremi’s remains were interred at his residence, accompanied by hymns and tributes from relatives and well-wishers.
A reception later took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, where guests—including family members who travelled from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany—were entertained with a lavish banquet. The event featured a performance by renowned gospel and highlife singer Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, while veteran emcee Olushola Oladele, popularly known as Pa Aristoe, anchored the proceedings.
The gathering attracted prominent personalities such as Mr. Babatope Adebiyi (King Jafil), Mr. Goke Olatunji, Regent Omotunde Adelabu, Hon. Abiodun Fawekun of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, members of the Ewi-in-Council, lawmakers, politicians, business leaders, and artisans.
Born on February 7, 1929, to Mr. Williams Akomolafe Ogunremi and Princess Abigail Ogunremi in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Ogunremi began his education at St. George’s Primary School, Agere, before moving to Lagos for electrical training. He later founded the well-known Micho Electronics and worked with business figures such as Chief Lawrence Omole and Chief Ajanaku in Ilesha.
He married his first wife in Ilesha, where the ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In 1970, he returned to Ado-Ekiti and established Micho Motors, expanding his business interests into the automobile sector. His ventures took him across Europe, including Austria, Brussels, Italy, and Germany.
In July 1988, he was installed as the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti by Oba George Adelabu, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. He became widely known for hosting the Udiroko Festival at his Okeilaja palace, a major cultural event that drew indigenes and chiefs before culminating in celebrations at the Ewi’s Palace. He later served as commissioner of the Ekiti State Electricity Board during the administration of Governor Adeniyi Adebayo.
Until his passing, Chief Ogunremi remained an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti. He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
#SpotlightAfricaThrowbackSeries Chief (Mrs.) Olatunde Lawal Celebrates Her 95th Birthday
The 95th birthday of Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Olatunde Lawal was marked with fanfare in Ado-Ekiti, drawing an impressive gathering of dignitaries, royal fathers, and prominent personalities from across the country. The event, which many described as a convention of the nation’s elite, reflected the high esteem in which the celebrant is held.
The day began with a prayer session at her residence, led by Muslim clerics and attended by family members and close friends. Guests were later hosted at the AB Event Centre, where Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall performed to the delight of attendees.
Alhaja Lawal, who hails from the prominent Sasere family of Ado-Ekiti, was married into the respected High Chief Lawal Arowa dynasty. She also holds the Osemowe of Ado-Ekiti title, a recognition of her family’s heritage. These deep-rooted connections explain the scale and grandeur of the celebration.
Her joy was evident throughout the day, particularly as she received tributes from her children, family, and friends. A highlight of the occasion was the arrival of her grandchildren from the United Kingdom, who flew in to honour her milestone.
The guest list featured several notable figures, including the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Abiodun Olujimi; former Chairman of Ado Local Government, Hon. (Mrs.) Tosin Aluko; business leaders, and members of the Ewi-in-Council.
The event was further distinguished by its elegant décor, a wide array of local and international cuisines, and exotic drinks, creating a memorable atmosphere of celebration.
For many in attendance, the occasion was a testament to the influence and legacy of Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Olatunde Lawal, whose 95 years continue to inspire respect and admiration.
Two housemates, Denari and Tracy, have been evicted from the Big Brother Naija Season 10 show after a very eventful week seven. The first housemate whose eviction was announced by show host Ebuka Obi–Uchendu was Denari. Tracy followed him out of the Big Brother Naija house not too long after.
During the live show interview with Ebuka, Denari was asked about his romantic relationship with Doris, who left the show last Sunday.
Ebuka asked, “Is this really real with Doris?” Denari responded in the affirmative, saying, “of course.”
To the typical “what next” question from evicted housemates, Denari said he’s open to every and any opportunity in the entertainment industry, including Ebuka’s job as the Big Brother Naija show host.
“Everything entertainment. I’m a good actor, singer and I can do this thing you are doing too (referring to Ebuka hosting the BBNaija show),” Denari said.
Tracy, in her live show interview, was asked by Ebuka why she said she wanted to leave the house earlier in the week. She responded that “the house was mentally exhausting.”
Describing her experience in the house, she said she enjoyed herself even though the house is crazy.
For Ebuka’s weekly throwback-inspired fashion statement, he delved into politics, tracing back 48 years to draw inspiration from the outfit former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo wore during a 1977 visit to the White House to meet former US President Jimmy Carter.
Recent Comments