Another legal practitioner similarly explained that under Nigeria’s Matrimonial Causes Act, couples in a statutory marriage generally cannot file for divorce until they have been married for at least two years, although courts may allow an earlier divorce in exceptional cases involving hardship or cruelty, with annulment also a possible option in some situations.
The report has since triggered widespread debate on social media, with users offering differing views on the conduct of the bride, the mother-in-law and the groom.
Some argued that neither woman acted appropriately, while also faulting the groom for failing to set clear boundaries that might have prevented either woman from acting the way they did.
Others pointed to food-sharing disputes as a recurring issue at Nigerian weddings, suggesting couples should plan properly for both families to avoid such situations, while some questioned whether an incident like this alone could realistically end a marriage within two days, suggesting a possible lack of maturity on both sides.
A number of commenters defended the bride, arguing she only reacted after being struck first and that no one seemed to be holding the mother-in-law accountable for slapping her son’s wife.
Others maintained that two wrongs do not make a right, while still questioning why the mother-in-law resorted to violence first.
Some, however, blamed the bride’s conduct, arguing that fighting over food with one’s mother-in-law to the point of slapping her reflected poorly on her upbringing.
Other users suggested the altercation may point to deeper unresolved issues, with some speculating that the groom might have ignored earlier warning signs, and others stressing the importance of a longer courtship period to help couples better understand each other before marriage.
Some also noted that disputes involving in-laws over food, drinks and souvenirs are a recurring feature of Nigerian weddings and can resurface even years into a marriage.
The story continues to generate conversation online, with many debating family boundaries, wedding etiquette, anger management, and whether the alleged incident alone could justify the breakdown of a marriage.
