If we consider ourselves of our great country, Nigeria, then it is pur duty to know the provision of the law in the area that concerns us. So many people suffer,which unknown to them is as a result of their ignorance of the Law even the Bible says "My people are destroyed for lack of Knowledge". The solution to your problem as a Christian might not necessarily be prayer,but adherence to the principle of the law.

We shall be considering the provision of the law as it relates to marriages
This write up is a leaflet from chapter four of the book titled " The Ministers of God and the Law"; written by *Oyenike Aribisala (ESQ)*.
Marriage is a voluntary union of two persons, male and female (remember not same sex); that creates a family tie and carries legal and social right responsibilities.

If we are expected to be obedient to the provision of the bible in the book of Mark 10:9 which says "what God has joined together let no man put asunder". Then we must realize that the celebration of marriage must be carried out with all cautions. Christians and ministers of God must come to the knowledge of the existence of the prevailing laws which guides marriages; otherwise failure to comply with them might render that same marriage invalid in this court of law: hence we shall be referring to the Nigerians lawa-marriages act, CAP 218, LFN, 1990 and matrimonial Causes Act, CAP 220,LFN 1990.

Now ,the following are the types of marriages recognized under the Nigerian law:

1. CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE:
THIS is the type of marriage conducted to the prevailing tradition of the place of origin of the intended couple. This varies from tribe to tribe.
In Yoruba custom, the tradition marriage is the one popularity called engagement where the families from both sides come together and celebrate a minor party in order for the groom family to pay the dowry to the bride's family. The moment the dowry is paid : a customary marriage has taken place.
However this kind of marriages has its various disadvantages; that's why couples are advice not to end in only customary.

"The solution to your problem as Christian might not necessarily be prayer but adherence to the principles of the law."

2. STATUTORY/LEGAL MARRIAGE:
THIS type of marriage is the one conducted in the marriage registry or a Church. This is the most acceptable and strongest type of marriage.

Below are few out of many compulsory requirements a church must comply with before it can be said to have conducted a valid marriage under the law

a. Under S. 18-20 of the marriage Act, it is not acceptable for any of the intended couple to many below the age of 21years as such marriage shall be null and void in law. However there are exception where such persons below 21years can be allowed to marry.
If he/she has fulfilled the conditions spelt out in the same marriage act. You can find out this conditions in the book mentioned above.
b. Before the marriage is conducted, the intended couple must approach the marriage registry and intimate them of their intention at least a month before their wedding in the church, so that the marriage registry can issue to them a *CERTIFICATE OF NOTICE* WHICH the intended couple must take to the church before conducting the wedding. This requirement is a compulsory one.


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