Controversies in Paternity: An Insight into the Nigerian Culture

The Blacks Law Dictionary defines a child as „a progeny of parentage‟. Nigeria is a patriarchal society and the pride of the family is in being able to procreate and even more, in having male children. Where a family is not able to have children spews all kinds of scandals, insults and uncanny speculations. Worse than not bringing forth children is a paternity dispute. This is a doctrinal research focused on unveiling issues emanating from paternity disputes by way of giving an insight into the Nigerian culture. The research has explored the opinions and rulings of legal authorities using cases and also delved into norms governing some societies as regards paternity. It was discovered that there are more paternity than maternity disputes. This research will be relevant to legal practitioners, families, community leaders and the general public as a whole. It is recommended that families should resort to DNA tests early enough to avoid the emotional trauma that accompanies paternity disputes