Before You Cross the Road Into Polygamy: Funke Egbemode Warns Women

By Funke Egbemode

Veteran journalist and columnist Funke Egbemode has cautioned women who are considering becoming second wives to think carefully before entering a polygamous marriage.

In her article, “Before You Cross the Road Into Polygamy,” Egbemode examines some of the challenges women may face when they become wives to men who are already married.

She argues that while polygamy remains a reality in society, women should not enter such relationships based on love and promises alone.

Is He Really Marrying You for Love?

Egbemode encourages women to ask important questions before agreeing to become a second wife.

One of those questions is whether the man genuinely wants another marriage or is simply trying to hurt or frustrate his first wife.

If the relationship is being used as a weapon in an existing marital disagreement, the new wife could eventually find herself caught in the middle of the conflict.

Understand His Financial Situation

Money is another important issue.

Egbemode advises women to find out who actually owns the man’s properties and businesses before committing.

A man’s lifestyle may give the impression that he is financially comfortable, but appearances can be misleading.

She also encourages women to find out whether his first wife contributes significantly to the family’s finances.

If the first wife’s financial support stops after the arrival of another woman, the new wife could find herself facing unexpected responsibilities.

Are You Being Chosen for Your Money?

Egbemode also warns financially successful women to be careful.

A woman should ask herself whether she is being welcomed into a marriage because of who she is or because of what she can provide financially.

Entering a polygamous marriage should not turn a woman into the family’s main source of financial support.

What Is Your Relationship With the First Wife?

Another important consideration is the first wife.

According to Egbemode, a woman should understand the kind of relationship she may have with the existing wife before entering the marriage.

Not every first wife will accept a new woman peacefully.

There could be jealousy, disagreements and tension within the family.

Ignoring these possibilities could make the marriage more difficult than expected.

Think About the Children

Children are another major consideration.

Egbemode advises women to think carefully about the man’s age, financial capacity and ability to provide for children over the long term.

Having children with an older man, for example, could mean that he may be much older by the time the children reach adulthood.

Women should therefore consider not only the present situation but also what life could look like many years from now.

Don’t Ignore Your Financial Future

Egbemode also highlights the importance of financial security.

Women entering polygamous marriages should not depend entirely on promises about inheritance or what their husbands may leave behind.

They should consider building their own financial security and making sensible plans for themselves and their children.

Look Before You Cross

Egbemode’s message is ultimately one of caution.

Before becoming a second wife, a woman should ask difficult questions and seek honest answers.

Love may be important, but love alone cannot solve every problem that comes with a complicated family structure.

For women considering polygamy, the advice is simple: look carefully before you cross the road.

Understand the man, understand the family, understand the finances and understand the possible consequences.

A decision that may seem exciting today could have long-term consequences for everyone involved.