Veteran comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, has restated his belief in polygamy, describing it as part of African culture and a practice that can help maintain stability in homes.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Nedu, Alibaba said polygamy should not be seen as strange or outdated, noting that it has existed for generations and served social purposes in many communities.
He argued that having more than one wife can encourage accountability among partners, adding that some traditions view it as a way to reduce infidelity and promote family harmony.
He cited the example of Ibadan culture, where women in the past reportedly encouraged their husbands to marry more wives rather than engage in secret affairs, saying such arrangements often strengthened trust and ensured openness in families.
The comedian also mentioned situations in which widows with young children remarry within the family to secure care and support for their offspring, describing it as an act of responsibility and compassion within the traditional setting.
Alibaba explained that while some people view polygamy as controversial, it remains a valid part of African heritage. He stated that rejecting the practice entirely could mean disregarding long-standing customs that have helped hold communities together, saying, “I believe in polygamy.”
The comedian’s comments are not his first on the subject. In 2022, shortly after actor Yul Edochie announced his second marriage, Alibaba defended polygamy as an African tradition that Christianity does not necessarily condemn. He has also, on several occasions, spoken about family structures, relationships, and the realities of modern marriages in Nigeria.
In a 2025 podcast appearance, he discussed infidelity among influential figures, saying moral expectations in marriage often differ from reality, while in 2024, he publicly shared how his wife persuaded him to father triplets, linking the experience to family legacy and the importance of mutual understanding in relationships.
Alibaba’s latest remarks are expected to reignite public discussion on the place of polygamy in modern society.
Nigeria’s laws permit the practice under customary and Islamic systems but prohibit it under statutory marriage.
While some critics argue that polygamy can reinforce inequality or emotional strain, supporters maintain that it remains a legitimate cultural institution that can foster social stability when practised responsibly.
