Nigerian Lawyer Advises Women: “Secure Property in Your Own Name”

Nigerian lawyer Dammy Esquire has sparked debate online after advising women to prioritize financial security by owning property in their own names — warning that marriage may not always last forever.

In a post shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle, she wrote:

“Dear Wife, secure your future, buy property in your own name! The marriage you have today may not always stay the same. Divorce, separation, and even polygamy are real possibilities.”

She stressed that while love is beautiful, women must also make wise and logical decisions.

“Contributing to building a house with a man won’t stop him from taking another wife, cheating, or even walking away if the marriage falls apart. A house is not what holds a marriage together,” she noted.

Dammy Esquire clarified that her advice differs for men: “If a husband chooses to put his wife’s name on property, that is his decision. Love is beautiful, but wisdom is necessary. Marriage is not a competition. You have every right to own property too.”

Reactions Trail Her Post

The post quickly gained traction online, with many users weighing in:

• Peter E questioned the legal angle: “Doesn’t the law in Nigeria treat property acquired during marriage as communal property? If so, why must women own separate properties?”
• Prestigious countered with a sharp take: “Dear Men, don’t ever add your wife to your WILL. She is not your family — only your siblings and your children after DNA confirm they are yours.”
• Amaafrika called for balance: “It goes both ways. Husbands also need to secure their future. Love wholeheartedly, build together, but protect yourself individually.”
• Olayimika expressed no objection: “I don’t even have a problem with my wife having her own property… I’ll put her and the kids’ names on mine, and she can do the same.”
• Habat Ovation highlighted peace of mind: “A woman who owns property in her own name reduces the chances of being trapped in an unhappy marriage. Love thrives best when both partners are secure.”

The Bigger Picture

Dammy Esquire’s advice has reignited conversations about financial independence, gender roles, and property rights in marriage. While opinions differ, the consensus is clear: building love and building security can — and perhaps should — go hand in hand.