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Veteran comedian and actor Ali Baba has weighed in on the long-debated topic of polygamy, arguing that the practice, often criticized in modern times, still offers meaningful social and cultural value in many communities across Nigeria.
During a recent chat with media personality Nedu, the celebrated entertainer and social commentator shared his candid perspective on why polygamy continues to be relevant. He noted that beyond being a traditional custom, it can also promote harmony, responsibility, and stability in families when practiced with understanding and fairness.
According to Ali Baba, one of the practical advantages of polygamy lies in its ability to create balance and reduce conflict in marriages. He suggested that in some cases, having multiple wives can promote cooperation rather than rivalry, as each partner is aware of the shared nature of the relationship and strives to maintain peace.
“Some people feel if it’s only one wife, you may not be able to control the wife,” Ali Baba explained. “But if the wife knows that you have more than one, she will calm down. She will calm down because she knows that if she misbehaves, another person is available.”
The comedian elaborated that this dynamic, while controversial, has long been part of many African societies. He pointed out that the principles of polygamy were never about oppression or inequality, but about social order, cooperation, and continuity — values that were deeply embedded in traditional systems of family life.
Drawing from historical examples, Ali Baba referenced certain regions in Nigeria, particularly Ibadan, where women themselves encouraged their husbands to take additional wives. This, he said, was not a sign of weakness or submission, but a practical solution aimed at preventing infidelity and keeping the family structure intact.
He shared, “I actually know of a woman in Ibadan who encouraged her husband to be a polygamist. Most of them back then, and I don’t know who wants to doubt this, would marry a young girl and gift her to their husband. They did that because they didn’t want the man to have concubines. It was about maintaining dignity and balance in the home.”
Ali Baba further explored how polygamy extends beyond romantic relationships and plays a crucial role in preserving family responsibilities. He highlighted the cultural tradition in which a widow is married by her late husband’s brother — not out of desire, but as a duty to protect and provide for the deceased’s children.
“You have families where when the brother that married the woman dies, and she’s either just a new wife or she has just two children, they call all the brothers and say, which of you can take over this girl and take care of her? So if the man already had a wife, that’s the cause of polygamy,” he said. “And as much as people try to say it is not right, there are people who still practice it for good reasons.”
The ace comedian acknowledged that opinions about polygamy are sharply divided, especially in contemporary society where the concept of marriage has evolved significantly. He, however, argued that dismissing the practice entirely ignores its historical and cultural importance.
“In traditional settings, polygamy wasn’t about greed or lust,” he explained. “It was about protecting the family name, ensuring children were raised within the community, and making sure no one was left abandoned or unsupported. It was a system that worked in its own context.”
Ali Baba concluded by stating that while the world is changing and social values continue to evolve, cultural practices like polygamy should be understood rather than condemned. He emphasized that every culture develops its systems for maintaining order and responsibility, and polygamy — in its original intent — was one of those systems.
His remarks have since sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many Nigerians reflecting on how traditional customs intersect with modern views on marriage and morality.
Watch him speak below…
“Back in the day, most women married young girls for their husbands to prevent them from keeping many concubines.” – Alibaba pic.twitter.com/A2StWn6AqT
— Akpraise (@AkpraiseMedia) October 13, 2025
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