AN EXAMINATION OF DISSOLUTION OF CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE, CHILD CUSTODY, AND SUNDRY RELIEF IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The dissolution of customary and statutory marriages do not adhere to the same law or procedure,
and need not do so. Dissolution of customary marriages are a lot less complicated, however the vital
aspects of the dissolution of customary marriages, custody orders, and maintenance claims, are not
widely known, or are confused with those of statutory marriages. Reforms have been frequently
suggested but have not been implemented yet. This article tries to analyze the main aspects of
dissolution of customary marriages, custody and maintenance. Then a proposal that many of their
essential elements should be retained, and reflected in the various Customary Court Rules.