Understanding Void and Voidable Marriages in the Matrimonial Causes Act and the Holy Bible

Abstract

The importance of marriage to human existence cannot be overemphasised. Marriage was the first institution created by God for comfortability and procreation of men and women. Many marriages were full of complexities which resulted in divorce, incompatibilities, dishonesty, prostitution, inconsistencies, and unrest. Therefore, the study comparatively analysed void and voidable marriages in the Matrimonial Causes Act and the Holy Bible. Historical and case study designs were adopted. Doctrinal method was used in data collection. The primary sources of data were the Holy Bible, Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Matrimonial Act Cap M6; Matrimonial Causes Rules Cap 220, Laws of the Federation 2004; sources of secondary data were published textbooks, law reports, scholarly peer-reviewed journals, and articles. Data were content-analysed and presented thematically. Findings revealed that the Matrimonial Causes Act and Matrimonial Causes Rules being the laws and rules of marriages as constituted in usages and application are of biblical origin and founded on a Christian base. Many couples forced themselves into marriages without thinking of the consequences of being void or voidable marriages based on trying your luck. Matrimonial laws, rules, and the Holy Bible envisaged and prohibited void and voidable marriages. The study concluded that marriage was the first union God created. Intending couples should seek the face and God’s guidance before marriage. The study recommended that void and voidable marriages be avoided. Christians should attend church seminars on marriages before proposing to marry. Pastors should preach sermons on marriages which will expose members of the church to the intricacies of marriages.