Ebun Francis|
All marriages conducted by the federal registry Ikoyi is not legally binding on the parties involved, a Lagos high court has ruled.
Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor, has, therefore, issued a restraining order to the Ikoyi registry from conducting marriages, stating that it is unconstitutional for the federal government to perform the duties of the state and local governments.
According to the judgement delivered by the court on Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1760/16, 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.
Muslim Folami, the Lagos state commissioner for local government and community affairs, told journalists on Thursday that the judgement will be communicated to all stakeholders, including embassies.
Fokami 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.
He further stated that the judgment will put a stop to the perception of superiority of Ikoyi Marriage Registry over the local government registries.
He said, “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.”