The Lagos State House of Assembly has introduced a new bill aimed at simplifying the documentation process for marriages and ensuring accurate records of marriages and their dissolutions within the state.
At Thursday’s plenary session, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa announced this during the Second Reading of the Marriage and Dissolutions (Except Marriages under the Marriage Act) (Registration) Bill, 2025.
Obasa emphasized the ongoing need to create laws that safeguard the interests of both spouses and their children within marital relationships.
He revealed that the bill is titled ‘A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Registration of Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage (Except Marriage under the Act) in Lagos State and for Other Connected Matters’.
Following this, Obasa directed the bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC for further legislative evaluation.
While explaining the proposed legislation, Mr Oladipo Ajomale, Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, pointed out that many legal conflicts around marriage stem from improper documentation.
Ajomale representing Oshodi-Isolo II stated that “If passed, this bill will make legal processes around marriage registration and termination more straightforward in the state.”
He also mentioned that the bill would help embassies and foreign missions in confirming marital status for visa processing.
Ajomale further noted that the bill aims to establish consistent marriage records throughout the IBILE axis — Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe.
Mr Abiodun Tobun representing Epe I called the bill a positive move in line with modern legal approaches to marriage oversight.
Tobun observed that the proposed law would better define the legal rights of spouses under customary unions.
He added that the legislation allows individuals to enter and exit marriages within a recognized legal structure.
However, he expressed concern over interference by third parties in marital matters and recommended that penalties be included for such actions.
Mr Solomon Bonu from Badagry I underlined the importance of developing a reliable database to align with international marriage registration practices.
Bonu emphasized that all marital dissolutions should be formalized through court rulings to uphold fairness and legality.
He also proposed sanctions for single mothers who leave marriages without formal dissolution and for husbands who neglect their family roles.
Mr Moshood Aro representing Ikorodu II commented that the bill would offer a more defined legal framework for male obligations in marriage.
Aro further suggested the inclusion of provisions for legal recognition of distance marriages, including international unions.
Ms Omolara Olumegbon representing Lagos Island I stressed the significance of prioritizing children’s welfare in marital legislation and called for full child support clauses.
She noted this is particularly important in cases of separation, to ensure that children are adequately supported under the law.
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