Amanze Chinonye
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has stirred public debate after asserting that “every man should marry more than one wife” during a recent appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.
Defending his polygamous lifestyle, the billionaire politician and lawyer said men with multiple wives enjoy more “stability and balance” than those in monogamous marriages.
“I’m sure you have a wife and you also have girlfriends. Just imagine me telling you to stand on one leg – you know how difficult that is. But to stand on two, three, four legs is much more balanced. That’s the example,” Nwoko told his interviewer.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“I feel sorry for those who have only one wife because it’s difficult to stand on one leg,” he added with a laugh.
Nwoko, who is married to four women including Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, said he would make the same choice again if given another chance.
“Of course, yes. I’ll do the same thing again and again,” he affirmed.
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When reminded that the New Testament of the Bible does not endorse polygamy, the senator countered that the Old Testament does, describing himself as “a man of faith and of the Old Testament.”
He also dismissed online allegations of domestic violence following a viral video showing his wife Regina Daniels in tears and her subsequent social media posts suggesting tension in their marriage.
“No, come on. I’m not a violent person. I respect my wives, I love them, and I love my kids. So, no – not at all,” he said, refuting the claims.
The controversy emerged few hours after Daniels shared a post about acquiring a new mansion and wrote, “In my house I am a Queen! I needed a roof over my head so I got this for me and my family fueling rumours of marital strain.
Beyond his family matters, Nwoko extended his argument to social and cultural grounds, insisting that polygamy benefits society by reducing promiscuity and giving more women a chance at family life.
“Polygamy saves society from chaos. If more men married more women, you wouldn’t have as many single mothers and abandoned women. It’s part of our tradition, and even in religion, there’s room for it,” he said.
Reactions on social media have been mixed. While some Nigerians praised Nwoko for upholding what they described as traditional African values, others criticised his comments as tone-deaf and dismissive of women’s rights and modern marriage ideals.
The senator’s remarks also revived debates about faith and culture in Nigeria, where polygamy is legally recognised under customary and Islamic law but prohibited in Christian marriages.
Nwoko, a former member of the House of Representatives and founder of the Ned Nwoko Foundation, is known for his advocacy of traditional practices and philanthropy in Delta State.
Despite criticism, he maintained that his views are grounded in practicality and faith, saying, “Every man should marry more than one wife. It makes life more balanced.”
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
