LOVE, LAW, AND JUSTICE: WHEN HEARTBREAK BECOMES ACTIONABLE
What do you do when heartbreak strikes? Do you sit, sob, and accept it as your fate? That’s absurd! No, we won’t take that—not even the LAW stands by idly. Here’s the deal: the law does not condone a “use and dump” approach in relationships. And guess what? You can actually claim damages for a broken heart. Yes, you read that right—you could be compensated for having your heart shattered.
If someone made a genuine promise to marry you and you relied on that promise, only for them to turn around and refuse (under reasonable circumstances), the law recognizes your pain. For example, in cases like Egbe v Adefarasin and Okenwa v Nwosu, courts have affirmed that a breach of promise to marry is actionable. The aggrieved party can be awarded reasonable compensatory damages to cover financial or emotional losses caused by the breach.
It’s worth noting, however, that courts won’t enforce a marriage—specific performance in such matters isn’t an option. You can’t force two people to marry.
That said, while there may not be a comprehensive Nigerian law directly addressing a breach of promise to marry, provisions under the Nigerian Contract Act and Common Law principles do apply here. Marriage is treated with sanctity, and a breach of such a promise is categorized as a breach of contract or agreement.
To succeed in such cases, the aggrieved party must prove:
An actual promise to marry, made either expressly or impliedly.
Reliance on that promise.
Resulting losses—whether emotional, psychological, financial, or missed opportunities.
So, if you’ve faced disappointment due to a broken promise to marry, don’t just wallow in sorrow. Contact a lawyer! You may be entitled to justice and compensation for your loss.
OLAITAN FEYISETAN
LEAD PARTNER
MORNAIQ O&A SOLICITORS
08057497116
mornaiq@gmail.com
