A 65-year-old traditional ruler, Dan Majin Lafia, has married a woman reportedly aged 19 in Nasarawa State, sparking widespread public debate over the age gap and the legality of the union. The wedding ceremony was held over the weekend in Lafia, the state capital, and videos of the event were shared on social media by blogger Linda Ikeji, drawing immediate attention.
Details of the Marriage
According to posts on Instagram, the groom is Dan Majin Lafia, a traditional titleholder in the Lafia emirate. The bride is said to be 19 years old, though her identity has not been officially confirmed. The age difference of 46 years between the couple has raised eyebrows among Nigerians, with many questioning the circumstances of the marriage. The ceremony appeared to be a traditional wedding, with family and well-wishers in attendance.
Legal and Social Implications
Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003 sets the minimum age of marriage at 18. However, the act has not been fully adopted by all states; Nasarawa State is among those that have not domesticated the law. This legal gap often allows child marriages to occur under customary or Islamic law. Human rights activists have condemned the marriage, arguing that it violates the rights of the young bride and perpetuates harmful practices. The National Human Rights Commission has yet to comment on this specific case.
Public Reaction
The videos shared by Linda Ikeji have garnered thousands of comments, with many users expressing outrage over the age disparity. Some called for government intervention, while others defended the marriage as a personal matter under traditional customs. The incident has reignited discussions on the prevalence of child marriage in northern Nigeria, where poverty and cultural norms often drive early unions.
