Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly known as Erigga, has voiced his strong disapproval of polygamy, describing it as a system that brings more pain than peace, particularly for women and children.
Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the Warri-born rapper drew from his personal experience growing up in a polygamous family to explain why he believes the practice often leaves emotional scars on those involved.
According to him, while society often portrays polygamy as a symbol of wealth or power, the hidden reality is usually marked by jealousy, resentment, and broken relationships.
Read Also: Erigga blasts Nigerians for celebrating foreign artist over local talents
“I am trying not to be like my father,” Erigga said candidly. “I don’t like polygamy; one person always gets hurt, and it’s usually the woman. There’s never a polygamous situation where the man gets hurt, it’s always the woman and the kids.”
The rapper, who is known for his unfiltered take on social and family issues, emphasized that his views stem from lived experience rather than judgment.
He revealed that growing up in a home with multiple wives and children exposed him to the emotional strain and silent conflicts that often exist behind the scenes.
Erigga explained that in many polygamous homes, women compete for attention and validation, while children struggle with favoritism and neglect.
He argued that these circumstances can create a cycle of resentment that affects family unity and the mental well-being of everyone involved.
“People don’t see what happens behind closed doors,” he continued. “The fights, the favoritism, the division, it breaks families slowly. The children grow up watching this, and it affects how they see love, how they trust people, and even how they build their own families.”
The “Motivation” crooner further advised men to consider the long-term emotional consequences of their choices, insisting that monogamy provides a more stable and fulfilling environment for both partners and their children. “When it’s just one wife, there’s more understanding, more peace. You can focus on building your home together,” he added.
Erigga’s comments come amid ongoing public debates around polygamy in Nigeria, particularly among celebrities and politicians.
While some have defended it as a cultural or religious practice, others, like Erigga, view it as an outdated system that often perpetuates emotional harm, especially for women.
Erigga urged young men to break the cycle of polygamy and focus on building homes grounded in mutual respect, love, and understanding, stressing that “peace of mind is better than multiple partners and endless problems.”
