Renowned Nigerian comedian Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has recently expressed his belief in the practice of polygamy, emphasizing its potential to foster stability and mutual respect within African marriages.
In a candid conversation with media personality Nedu, Ali Baba highlighted that polygamy, when practiced responsibly, can serve as a deterrent to infidelity and promote harmony among spouses.
He noted, “Some people feel if it’s only one wife, you may not be able to control the wife. But if the wife knows that you have more than one, she will calm down because she knows that if she misbehaves, another person is available.”
Drawing from historical practices in Ibadan, Ali Baba shared that women in the past often encouraged their husbands to take additional wives to prevent extramarital affairs and maintain family unity.
He recounted, “I actually know of a woman in Ibadan who encouraged her husband to be a polygamist. Most of them back then marry a young girl and gift her to the husband because they don’t want the man to have concubines.”
Furthermore, Ali Baba pointed out that traditional customs allowed widows with young children to marry a brother-in-law to ensure the children’s care, describing this as a culturally rooted form of polygamy. He emphasized that such practices were grounded in responsibility and the preservation of family structures.
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While acknowledging that polygamy is a subject of debate, Ali Baba maintained that it remains a long-standing social system in many African communities. He argued that critics often overlook the realities of men who have children outside wedlock, suggesting that traditional polygamous practices provided a more structured and responsible approach to family dynamics.
Ali Baba’s perspective invites a broader conversation about the evolving nature of marriage and family structures in contemporary African societies.
His views challenge prevailing notions and encourage a reevaluation of cultural practices in the context of modern relationships.
