In many cultures, marriage is seen as a necessity—a milestone every adult is expected to achieve. However, the increasing number of divorce cases raises serious concerns about whether this societal expectation is leading to more unhappy and broken homes.
Barrister Wendy, a Nigerian lawyer, recently shared her experience in court, where out of 24 cases listed for the day, 22 were divorce petitions. She expressed deep concern over the trend, questioning if anything could be done to salvage the institution of marriage.
“In our society, marriage is often seen as compulsory. But when so many marriages are ending in divorce, we need to ask—are people truly prepared for the realities of marriage, or are they simply following cultural expectations?” she remarked.
The idea that marriage is an unavoidable duty often pressures individuals into unions they may not be ready for or suited to. Some experts argue that rather than emphasizing marriage as an obligation, more attention should be given to proper counseling, emotional maturity, and personal compatibility.
Barr. Wendy also pointed out that, ironically, lawyers—who frequently witness the breakdown of marriages—might be the best people to marry because they have learned from the mistakes of others.
As divorce rates continue to rise, it is becoming clear that societal norms around marriage need to be reevaluated. Perhaps the question should not be whether marriage is compulsory but whether individuals are truly equipped to build lasting, healthy relationships.
