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Ikoyi Registry Marriages Are Illegal

Controversy trails Ikoyi Registry as the Lagos high court has ruled that marriages conducted by the registry are not legally binding.

However, Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor has issued a restraining order to the Ikoyi registry from conducting marriages, saying it is unconstitutional for the Federal Government to perform the duties of the state and local governments.

The judgement delivered on Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1760/16 said marriage registries in the local government and local council development areas of Lagos State are the authentic and legally-binding government divisions established to carry out such functions.

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Mr. Muslim Folami, Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, said the judgment will be communicated to all stakeholders, including embassies. He said the decision of the court is supreme and is legally binding on all and that all marriages  conducted and registered in any of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas are valid and in accordance with the marriage act.

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The commission stated that the judgment will put a stop to the perception of superiority of Ikoyi Marriage Registry over the local government registries… “We are going to use every available platform in the five divisions across the state to sensitize our people and inform them about this latest development; From Epe to Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja and Lagos Island.”