A Nigerian lawyer based in the United Kingdom has raised a loud alarm, stating that the popular 'japa' wave of relocation is having a devastating silent effect on Nigerian marriages abroad.
The Case That Sparked the Concern
Bolanle Cole, the lawyer, made this observation public on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. His concern was triggered by the recent separation of a Nigerian cleric and his wife. The couple had ended their marriage just three years after moving to the UK.
According to Cole's account, the clergyman and his spouse had a long-standing union. They were married for a solid 11 years in Nigeria and had built a family with three children before deciding to relocate. Their move was part of the massive 'japa' trend where Nigerians seek new opportunities overseas.
A Rapid Unraveling in a New Land
The lawyer expressed deep worry over how quickly the marriage dissolved in the new environment. He wondered how a couple who had spent over a decade together could fall out of love within just three years of arriving in the United Kingdom. This rapid breakdown led them to go their separate ways, a situation Cole finds both tragic and puzzling.
This single case prompted a broader, more critical question from the legal professional. Cole openly questioned what it is about the UK environment that seems to negatively affect marital bonds for Nigerian couples. He implied that this was not an isolated incident but a silent epidemic tied to the migration wave.
The Broader Implication of the Japa Trend
While the original report focused on one cleric's family, Cole's statement suggests this is a widespread but under-discussed consequence. The 'japa' wave, often celebrated for offering better economic and professional prospects, appears to carry a heavy social cost. The pressures of adapting to a new culture, financial strains, changed social dynamics, and possibly increased independence can create unforeseen cracks in even the strongest unions.
The lawyer's intervention highlights a crucial narrative often missing from the migration success stories. It calls for a more nuanced conversation about the psychological and social challenges Nigerian families face when they relocate. The dream of a better life abroad can sometimes come at the expense of the family unit that embarked on the journey together.
This report, originally shared by Linda Ikeji on April 12, 2025, serves as a sobering reminder. It urges couples and families planning to 'japa' to prepare not just logistically and financially, but also to fortify their relationships against the unique pressures of diaspora life.
