E-motional Landscapes: Marriage and Custody Litigation in Nigeria, 1940s–1960s

Abstract In this article I examine socio-cultural landscapes where personal relationships are formed, fractured and underscored by physical movement across space. I explore court cases brought forth in South-Eastern Nigeria from the 1940s to the 1960s to settle betrothal, marriage, and custody disputes. I argue that these cases represent patterns of e-motion , a form of migration triggered by family decisions, third party interlocutors, emotional bonds and asperity. Using court case testimony transcripts, court petitions, domestic violence complaints, personal letters, unpublished memoirs and other documents, I show how Nigerians sought legal assistance from district courts when local native courts failed to satisfy the aggrieved. This article highlights how family and social expectations shaped and limited migratory practices for subaltern women and girls, resulting in e-motional landscapes. Engendered by emotional stress, rage, fear and violence, which ultimately shaped their livelihoods.