Veteran entertainer Alibaba argues traditional practice can promote peace in marriages Nigerian comedian and actor Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, known professionally as Alibaba, has sparked fresh debate on polygamy by defending the practice as both culturally significant and practically beneficial in modern relationships.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Nedu, the veteran entertainer presented arguments supporting polygamous unions, contending that the system can reduce infidelity and encourage domestic cooperation when properly managed.
“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,” Alibaba explained.
Read Also: Mr Macaroni Accuses APC of Hypocrisy Over Criminal Pardons
The comedian further argued that acknowledging multiple marriages openly reduces tension between spouses and prevents men from engaging in extramarital affairs clandestinely. He emphasized that when handled maturely, polygamy serves as a deterrent to deception within relationships.
Alibaba drew on historical precedent to support his position, citing traditional African practices where women themselves sometimes encouraged or facilitated polygamous arrangements. He recounted a specific case from Ibadan where a woman advised her husband to marry a second wife formally rather than maintain unofficial concubines.
“I actually know of a woman in Ibadan who encouraged her husband to be a polygamist. Most of them back then would even marry a young girl and gift her to the husband because they didn’t want the man to have concubines,” he said.
The entertainer stressed that in traditional societies, polygamy served broader social functions beyond personal preference. He highlighted how the system historically provided financial security for widows and children following the death of a breadwinner, with a woman’s late husband’s brother often taking responsibility for the family’s welfare.
Alibaba contended that modern critics overlook the structured nature of traditional polygamy compared to contemporary practices. He noted that many men today father children outside of formal unions, while the traditional system created legal and social accountability.
“Critics often forget that many men today have children outside wedlock. So instead of pretending, the traditional system made it structured and responsible,” he observed.
While acknowledging that opinions on polygamy remain divided, Alibaba maintained his support for the practice, positioning it within specific cultural and historical contexts. His comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users agreeing that polygamy serves legitimate purposes and others dismissing the arguments as outdated.
The discussion reflects ongoing conversations about marriage systems, cultural preservation, and modern relationship dynamics in Nigeria.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION