‘Renewed Shege’: Stick to One Wife – Emir of Zazzau Advises Muslims

The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, has advised Muslim men struggling financially to limit themselves to one wife to ensure they can properly care for their families. The monarch expressed concern that polygamy is contributing to the breakdown of many households due to men failing to meet their responsibilities.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 30th Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) annual Ramadan lecture, the emir emphasized that while Islam permits men to have multiple wives, not every man is financially or emotionally equipped to care for multiple dependents. He cited examples within his palace, where some men have as many as 50 children, raising concerns about their ability to cater to them properly.

He also called for a revision of the Islamiyya education curriculum to include teachings on the Islamic rights of girls, believing this would help create a more equitable society.

The Emir criticized the judicial system for exacerbating social issues, referencing a case where a young woman was sentenced to two years in prison for failing to pay a debt of N6,000. He shared how, during a visit to the prison, he used N200,000 to secure the release of eight individuals. He reaffirmed that the palace continues to employ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to address matrimonial conflicts, inheritance disputes, and land issues, which he identified as major sources of family instability.

Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, also spoke at the event, urging religious scholars to encourage men to fulfill their responsibilities at home. She noted that women are increasingly shouldering household burdens, emphasizing the need for men to take charge of their roles as providers and protectors.