When Nigerian singer Emmanuel Makuochukwu (popularly called ‘Ablack’) married Kay, a Caucasian woman who is 43 years older, in October 2024, not a few people were displeased.
The Federal Marriage Registry in Ikoyi, Lagos, buzzed with activity on Wednesday morning as couples gathered for their civil wedding ceremonies. Located near Falomo Bridge, the registry is known for its high volume of patrons, particularly from upscale areas of the city. By 8:15 a.m., the scene was lively with vendors offering everything from wedding attire to music services, easing the burden for couples on their big day.
One standout couple caught attention: a young Nigerian groom in his 20s, dressed sharply in a navy suit, smiling beside his bride — an elderly Caucasian woman in a white gown. “There’s nothing unusual about seeing an elderly person marrying a young man. It’s something we see every day,” an official at the registry told Saturday PUNCH.
The registry requires couples to complete several forms including a Notice of Marriage and affidavits confirming marital status and age. “They must also bring along their birth certificates or a declaration of age,” the official added. With increasing numbers of cross-age and cross-cultural unions, staff say the public has become accustomed to the once-surprising pairings, emphasizing the importance of consent and transparency in the process.