Nigerian comedian and actor Okey Bakassi has sparked conversations about marriage dynamics in Africa during a candid interview with The Honest Bunch.
The entertainer argued that monogamy is no longer effective and called for society to embrace polygamy, granting both men and women the right to marry multiple spouses.
Speaking on the subject, Okey Bakassi expressed his belief that monogamy is inherently flawed and unrealistic.
“Monogamy is not working. We’re pretending. It doesn’t stop you from marrying six people in your lifetime; it only forces you to do so sequentially, through divorces,” he said.
He emphasized that the social stigma around keeping multiple spouses simultaneously leads to unnecessary complications, particularly when children are involved.
The comedian further explained his position, stating that polygamy is a practical and culturally relevant solution for Africa.
He argued that it allows individuals to maintain relationships without the repeated disruptions caused by divorce. He added that women, like men, should have the liberty to marry multiple spouses if they can financially support such arrangements.
“If a woman is successful and feels like one man won’t do, and she needs two or three, society should allow her.
Otherwise, she’ll end up divorcing one, marrying another, and repeating the cycle. It’s still multiple partners,” he said.
Bakassi maintained that such conversations need to be normalized, emphasizing that society should move beyond its current restrictive views.
His comments have generated widespread debate, with some applauding his progressive stance on equality in marriage and others criticizing his support for polygamy.
The discussion highlights ongoing tensions around modern relationships and the interplay between tradition and contemporary values.