Nelson Igboke, a Nigerian, has sparked controversy with his views on ending the growing discussions over paternity fraud and DNA testing.
In a Facebook post addressing the matter, Igboke used cultural norms that place a higher priority on familial unity than biological certainty in order to argue against the use of DNA testing within the Igbo tradition.
In Igbo Land, he asserts, a kid born under a man’s roof is, biologically or otherwise, his child, regardless of what science may say.
He wrote: “Igboland should do away with the introduction of DNA testing. Every kid born in a marriage is the property of the woman’s husband, as our tradition has made clear.
His position has provoked strong opinions, with most opposing it as a way to facilitate paternity fraud and some endorsing it as a guarantee for family harmony.
“My gender go accept this one but won’t accept polygamy as Igbo culture,” said social media user @gera_ike.
“Any child born in the marriage is the husband’s own ONLY with the husband’s agreement,” another user @chynexie said. This includes spouses who are unable to father a child or children. The wife is committing the ultimate level of betrayal if she does it without permission. Attention to CONSENT. In order to have children to carry on the family line, even married women who are infertile occasionally choose to marry another woman for their husbands with their approval. Mr. Man, don’t mix up customs.