The Ethico-Legal Question of Woman to Woman Marriage in Igbo land (A Case Study of Imo State, Nigeria).

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine woman to woman marriage relationships from the African perspective through interviews with women who marry other women (‘female husbands’) in Igbo land, using Imo State as a case study. The issue of marriage is significant in the Igbo-African cultural and traditional rites, as such the issue of woman-to-woman marriage in Imo State has become a point of social, legal, moral and cultural debate in recent years. Traditionally, marriage is a heterosexual union,that is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and societal expectations. However, the rising occurrence of woman-to-woman marriages, particularly among certain segments of the population, has sparked a conversation about the evolving nature of relationships and marriage in the state. This phenomenon, while uncommon, is believed to occur for various reasons, including the desire to fulfill societal expectations of family formation, economic factors, or as a form of protest against traditional patriarchal structures. In some cases, these marriages are viewed as symbolic gestures rather than legally recognized unions. For instance, woman-to-woman marriages may emerge as a result of infertility, where one woman may marry another as a means to maintain family lineage or for financial reasons. However, the practice faces significant resistance from both traditional authorities and the legal system in Imo State, which tends to adhere to the norms established by both Nigerian and Igbo customs. The state's legal framework does not recognize woman-to-woman marriages, and those involved may face stigmatization or legal challenges. The question of woman-to-woman marriage in Imo State raises important concerns regarding human dignity, gender roles, the legal recognition of non-traditional unions, and the evolution of cultural norms. It calls for a critical examination of how the state’s moral and legal system, community leaders, and activists can approach emerging social issues while balancing tradition, individual rights, and societal expectations. In conclusion, although woman to woman marriage in Imo State helps in preserving the family name, yet it remains a source of dehumanization, enabler of woman to woman violence as such poses a threat to woman development.