A Nigerian man on X, identified as @AbdoollGiwa, has ignited a heated debate by suggesting that polygamy is the best option for ambitious women pursuing professional and personal goals. His post, which reads, 'I don't know who exactly needs to hear this, but as a young lady aiming to attain the height of your professional career and personal goals, polygamy is the best option for you,' has drawn widespread reactions across social media platforms.
Context: The Polygamist series fuels conversations
The debate comes amid renewed interest in polygamy following the release of Netflix's drama series The Polygamist, which tells the story of Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy banker and CEO whose double life unravels after his death, exposing multiple households and secret families. The series has sparked discussions about marriage, gender roles, and family structures in modern Africa.
Many Nigerians have pushed back against @AbdoollGiwa's claim, arguing that polygamy often places women at a disadvantage rather than offering opportunities for career growth. One user wrote: 'Because the moment a man feels he is financially secure he starts marrying multiple wives, women he has no love for and we are supposed to keen into that fuckery because…..?' Another commenter challenged the assumption that polygamy reduces domestic responsibilities: 'Thats because you assume she’s going to have less marital and domestic responsibilities enough to focus on her career not bearing in mind that she’s young in that marriage and will be met with a lot of expectations if her co-wives are older or career-oriented like her.'
Economic realities and emotional responses
A male user linked polygamy to economic factors, stating: 'Poverty is one of the main reason why women go into polygamy. Remove poverty in a society & you will notice the extreme decline of polygamy in our society. I once loved & imagined myself having 2 wives, until I had a deep self reflection & found out that I was just being selfish.' Others dismissed the premise entirely, with one user asserting: 'Nobody needs to hear, marriage isn't an achievement.' Another bluntly wrote: 'You are a bloody liar..... Polygamous home does no good for any woman..... just a right for a man to sleep with different women.'
Supporters of the controversial opinion maintained that critics were reacting emotionally rather than objectively. One user commented: 'Now watch how most ladies will fail to see the sense in this and argue from an emotional POV.' However, another questioned the practical application: 'Are your female family members in polygamous settings, and have they attained that height?'
Broader implications for gender roles
The debate highlights deep divisions in Nigerian society over marriage, gender roles, and the pursuit of career ambitions. While The Polygamist may not offer a definitive stance, it has reignited conversations about the impact of multiple-partner relationships on women's empowerment and societal expectations. As the discussion continues online, Nigerians remain sharply divided over whether polygamy can ever serve as an advantage for women seeking personal and professional fulfillment.
