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By Oscar Okhifo For Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko, the words in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s famous play title, “One More Wife, One More Trouble,” cut no ice. The senator believes that marrying more than one wife does more good than harm, a conviction that has once again sparked heated national debate. Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Nwoko said he feels sorry for men who have only one wife, insisting that polygamy brings men greater stability and peace of mind. He argued that the Old Testament of the Bible endorses polygamy and that monogamy is unnatural for men. “Just imagine telling you to stand on one foot or leg. You know how difficult it is. But to stand on two, three, four is much more balanced. So, I feel sorry for those who have one wife because it’s difficult to stand on one leg,” he said. The senator, who is married to popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, maintained that he has no regrets about his polygamous lifestyle, stressing that he would make the same choices if given another opportunity. “The Old Testament supports polygamy. I have no regrets at all. If I were to live my life again, I would still marry more than one wife. It brings peace and helps society,” Nwoko said. According to him, polygamy, if widely embraced, could help reduce social problems such as prostitution and moral decay, particularly in Southern Nigeria. “Many women in the South are on their own without husbands. This contributes to prostitution and other social problems. If men marry more than one wife, it will help reduce such issues,” he added. Nwoko further alleged that many men who publicly condemn polygamy secretly maintain relationships outside their marriages, diverting family resources to girlfriends. “Those who criticize polygamy are the ones encouraging prostitution. A man with one wife spends more on girlfriends than a polygamist who takes care of his family,” he stated. The Delta-born lawmaker, who has several wives and children, described polygamy as part of African culture and a means of ensuring that women are cared for and children grow up in stable homes. “Polygamy is part of our culture. It ensures that no woman remains unmarried and every child is cared for. It’s not something to be ashamed of,” he said. However, his comments have continued to generate strong reactions, with many Nigerians accusing him of using religion and culture to justify personal choices. Nollywood actor Uche Maduagwu was among those who criticised the senator, describing his remarks as misplaced and insensitive. “Rather than preach polygamy, he should focus on his duties as a senator. Nigerians need effective representation, not marital lectures,” Maduagwu said. While some cultural advocates have defended Nwoko’s view, arguing that polygamy remains a long-standing African tradition that strengthens family bonds, others say his analogy of “standing on one leg” oversimplifies the complexities of marriage and family life. Nwoko’s comments have reignited the long-standing debate on the relevance of polygamy in modern Nigeria, a society caught between traditional values and evolving social and religious ideals. On the recent reported violence against his youngest wife Regina, the Lawyer said it was exaggerated. He described himself as a hater of violence, a loving and caring husband and father.
