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PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MARRIAGE
By Pastor Kunle Osunkunle
INTRODUCTION
Must your parents or your intended spouse’s parents
have to say ‘yes’ before you marry him/her?
Going by the stipulation of the Nigerian Law, it is
required that anyone under the age of 21 years must get his/her parental
consent (and in the case of absence of these people, your guardian) before you
get married to your intended spouse.
Thus, how important is parental consent when
considering marriage? Is this a cultural issue that is particular to Africa? Is
it as important as we think it is or we can just go ahead with the wedding
plans without considering it?
Considering Ephesians 6:1-3; Exodus 20:12, God commanded
us to “obey” and “honour” our parents. Though, the meanings we give to these
two critical words vary from one culture to another. Nonetheless, most of the
cultures on earth appreciate parental input in marriage decision in order to
have a successful marital union; especially in Africa where proper family
structure is still correctly upheld.
The following are reasons why you need to obey and
honour your parents:
