A powerful personal testimony has surfaced online, shedding light on the enduring emotional scars caused by polygamous decisions made during vulnerable times. A Nigerian woman, Safinah Omotolani, has publicly shared the painful story of her family's beginning, revealing that her father introduced a new wife into their home mere weeks after she, his first child, was born.
The Trigger: A Social Media Debate on Polygamy
This revelation did not emerge in isolation. It was prompted by a discussion on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The conversation began when a user claimed that Yoruba men are not as harsh as men from other ethnic groups when it comes to the practice of polygamy. This claim was made in reference to a recent event involving a Nigerian businessman known as Scholar, who took a second wife only nine months after his first marriage and a single week after his first wife delivered twins.
It was within this context that Safinah Omotolani decided to share her own family's history, challenging the notion that such actions are without consequence.
Safinah's Heartbreaking Revelation
In her response, Safinah provided a stark and intimate account. "My dad married another wife just weeks after I was born — his first child," she wrote. Adding a layer of profound betrayal to the event, she disclosed that the woman her father married was actually present at Safinah's own naming ceremony.
She painted a vivid picture of her mother's vulnerable state, forcing readers to empathize with the raw reality. "Imagine a woman was still bleeding, still healing, still learning how to be a mother and her husband was already moving on," she stated. This powerful imagery highlights the physical and emotional turmoil her mother endured at a time when support was most needed.
The Lasting Impact and a Tribute to Resilience
Safinah emphasized that the pain inflicted by her father's decision was not a fleeting moment. "That pain didn’t end that day. It lived with us," she asserted, indicating the long-term psychological effects on the entire family.
Her post then transformed into a heartfelt tribute to her mother's strength and sacrifice. She gave a "big shoutout to my mum," whom she described as "a woman who buried her dreams, swallowed her tears, and stayed for her child." This acknowledgment speaks volumes about the silent suffering and resilience many women in similar situations exhibit.
Finally, Safinah directed a pointed message towards those who defend such actions without empathy. Addressing men who "see nothing wrong in this kind of cruelty, who lack empathy and call it 'Sunnah'," she issued a stark warning: "e mura si. May life teach you empathy the hard way." This closing remark serves as a powerful critique of using religious or cultural justifications for actions that cause deep human suffering.
The story was originally reported by Linda Ikeji on December 28, 2025, bringing this personal narrative into the wider public discourse on marriage, culture, and empathy in Nigeria.
