Nigerian Family Publicly Disowns Daughter Over Same-Sex Marriage Plans

A Nigerian woman, Shalom Titilayo Shoremi, has been publicly disowned by her family after she attempted to marry another woman. The Shoremi family announced their decision in a public notice published in a local newspaper, which included Shalom’s photograph and full name.

In the notice, the family stated that they have severed all ties with Shalom and disassociated themselves from her actions. They emphasized that she would no longer be entitled to any part of the family inheritance.

“The Shoremi family has become aware of an application for a special marriage license filed by Shalom T. Shoremi. The family hereby disassociates itself from this action and has cut all ties with her,” the notice read.

It further stated, “We disown her on the grounds that her planned actions are contrary to Nigerian law. Consequently, she will no longer be eligible for any share of the family inheritance.”

According to the notice, Shalom had applied for a special marriage license at the Federal Marriage Registry on March 22, 2023, seeking to formalize a same-sex union. However, her request was denied as it contravenes Nigeria’s Marriage Act.

“Her application for a special marriage license to enable a same-sex marriage was rejected because it violates the Marriage Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the notice explained.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in Nigeria under the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2014, which criminalizes such unions and imposes a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment for those involved in same-sex relationships.

The family’s public disownment of Shalom highlights the deep cultural and legal opposition to same-sex relationships in Nigeria, where such actions remain highly controversial and punishable by law.