Nollywood actress, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju has shared her thoughts on the custom of women changing their last names after marriage.
Taking to her X page, Lala noted that women shouldn’t feel pressured to take their husband’s surname.
She argued that the practice isn’t supported by scripture and interestingly suggested that couples merge their surnames instead.
Lala who is married to celebrity chef, Gbugbemi Fregene better known as Chef Fregz highlighted that the name change custom stems from outdated beliefs and that keeping a maiden name can be important for a woman’s identity.
She also encouraged couples to have open discussions about what’s best for them, without feeling pressured by others.
She tweeted,
“Honestly, if we really want to follow ‘2 shall become 1,’ the couple should merge both surnames. I still question the children automatically coming from the man’s state of origin, his surname, and the fact that the man “owns” the child. The whole thing messes with my head so much.
“Yet it’s the woman who physically goes through a life transforming process to birth the children.
“Yet, she’s relegated. I may not have the answers, but it troubles my entire being and I am yet to find the scripture that says the woman must take the man’s name.
“Scripture actually says the man cleaves to the woman (but what do I know). Most importantly, a woman should be allowed to choose.
“Whether she wants to change her name or not or compound it. It’s sha somehow that boys are never raised to think their identity will change.
“But just because of a woman’s gender, she’s raised/socialized to know that she shouldn’t get too comfortable with a name and identity she’s known all her life. I don’t have the answers, but I strongly question this practice.”
Read Also: Toke Makinwa reveals why she won’t change her surname upon remarrying