D.L . Efobi

This study examines the multifaceted nature of polygamy and its socio-psychological implications as portrayed in Lola Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives and Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay with Me. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Nigerian society, both novels dismantle the traditional facade of the polygamous household to reveal a complex web of competition, domestic politics, and the profound struggle for female agency.

Shoneyin utilizes a satirical lens to expose the toxic rivalries and secrets inherent in Baba Segi’s household, highlighting how the structure of polygamy often forces women into deceptive survival strategies. In contrast, Adebayo offers a more somber exploration of how the pressure for male progeny and the introduction of a second wife can destabilize a modern marriage, leading to tragic emotional and physical consequences. By employing a comparative analysis, this research explores themes of infertility, patriarchal dominance, and the subversion of traditional gender roles. Ultimately, the study argues that while polygamy is often framed as a cultural or religious stabilizer, the narratives of Shoneyin and Adebayo reveal it to be a catalyst for systemic trauma, yet also a space where women negotiate power and identity in unexpected ways.