Senator Ned Nwoko, a Nigerian lawmaker representing Delta North, has stirred up debate with remarks in which he said he “feels sorry for those who have one wife.”
His comments came during a television appearance, where he defended polygamy as not only his personal lifestyle but as a more stable marital model for men.
On the programme Channels Television “Politics Today”, Nwoko articulated his view using a vivid analogy: “Just imagine telling you to stand on one leg — it’s difficult. But with two, three, or four, you’re more balanced.”
He went on to say: “I feel sorry for those who have one wife because it’s difficult to stand on one leg.”
“When the Bible’s stance on monogamy was raised, Nwoko pointed to the Old Testament, stating: “The Old Testament does (endorse polygamy). I am a man of faith.”
He emphasised that he has no regrets about his marital decisions.
“No, I don’t have any regret. I will do the same thing again. You should marry who you want to marry.”
Nwoko’s remarks occurred amid heightened public scrutiny of his personal life. He is widely known for his polygamous lifestyle and is married to multiple wives.
At the same time, his youngest wife, actress Regina Daniels, had posted about a new house and made unsettling claims that a video had captured her saying she “can’t stand the violence.”
Nwoko dismissed allegations of domestic violence, saying: “I am not a violent person. I respect my wives and love them and my kids.”
The cultural backdrop is important: Polygamy, while legally permissible in many Nigerian states under customary law, remains a contentious issue—especially among younger, urban, or Christian populations. Nwoko’s view that polygamy offers “balance” runs counter to many voices advocating monogamy as the standard.
Supporters of polygamy in certain cultural or religious contexts may find affirmation in Nwoko’s reasoning: that multiple wives can provide shared responsibilities, family expansion, and broader support structures.
Critics argued that his analogy oversimplifies marriage. For example, some social commentators pointed out that “standing on four legs” doesn’t necessarily guarantee stability, especially when emotional, financial or legal complexities are involved.
The debate taps into broader discussions: gender equality, women’s rights, family dynamics, religion, and cultural traditions. Nwoko’s invoking of the Old Testament will not satisfy those who look to Christian teachings that emphasise one-husband-one-wife relationships.
On the personal front, Nwoko’s comments invite scrutiny of how he manages multiple marriages—whether all relationships are consensual, equitable, and free of coercion or imbalance.
Whether one agrees with Nwoko’s stance or not, his comments catalyse reassessing assumptions about marriage structures in modern Nigeria.
He challenged the often-unquestioned norm of monogamy by suggesting that for some men, having multiple wives may bring balance.
Yet his analogy—standing on one leg vs several—remains provocative and invites deeper inquiry into the realities behind polygamous households
