THE LEGALITY OF VIRTUAL MARRIAGE IN NIGERIA GIVEN THE COVID19 PANDEMIC SOCIAL DISTANCING: AN X-RAY OF THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ACT

Mr Aidonojie Paul Atagamen and OLUWASEYE OLUWAYOMI IKUBANNI   (Published 2021)

Mr Paul Atagamen
See Profile Page

Abstract

This study examines the upsurge in the virtual celebration of marriage in Nigeria during the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic. During the spike of the outbreak, marriages were celebrated on social media platforms such as Webex meeting and Zoom with the parties at different places at the time of the celebration of the marriage. Despite the economical advantages that the virtual marriage celebration provides, there is a legal uncertainty that marriage so celebrated virtually is one recognized under the Matrimonial Causes Act. This is given the fact that under the Matrimonial Causes Act, marriage can only be solemnized in three places to wit: in the Marriage Registry, licensed place of worship, and any other place indicated in the special licence issued by the governor. The study finds that the Marriage Act makes no provision for virtual marriage in Nigeria. In this regard, this study recommends that the Marriage Act should be amended to embrace the massive advancement in the use of technology around the world, which will enhance the virtual solemnization of marriage in Nigeria and the issuance of electronic marriage certificate as it is time and cost-effective


Item Type: Journal article(non-copyrighted)
Format: PDF document,   536.08 KB
Copyright: Creative Commons LicenseCreative Commons license
Keywords: Covid19, Virtual, marriage, Marriage, Act, Social, Distance, Technology, Nigeria
Department: Public and International Law
Field of Study: Law
Uploaded By: Aidonojie Paul Atagamen
Date Added: 12 Jan 2022 12:13pm
Last Modified: 12 Jan 2022
Journal URL: https://www.edouniversity.edu.ng/oer/journal/the_legality_of_virtual_marriage_in_nigeria_given_the_covid19_pandemic_social_distancing_an_x-ray_of_the_matrimonial_causes_act


Google Docs     Print     Download