Court Stops Ikoyi Registry From Performing Marriage Duties

Gbenga Akinwande

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A judge, Obiozor Chuka, of the Lagos high court has ruled that the Federal registry, Ikoyi performing marriage duties is not legal. He said it is unconstitutional for the federal government to perform the duties assigned to state and local governments.
The case with Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1760/16 affirms that marriages performed at the registries in the local government and local councildevelopment areas of Lagos state are the authentic and legally-binding unions. The Lagos State commissioner for local government and community affairs, Muslim Folami, said this decision of the courts shall be transmitted to all concerned including all embassies. The added that the decision of the courts is final and has given authority back to the marriage registries in all 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of Lagos state as entrenched in the marriage act.
In the same vein, the president of marriage registrars of local governments and LCDA, Deji Sokeye, said the judgement has restored credence and authority to the certificates issued by the LGs and LCDAs in the state. He was delighted that duties have been handed back to them as stipulated in section 30 (1) of the marriage act and section 7 (5) of the 1999 constitution.