Abstract. – Marriage is regulated by two parallel frameworks in Nigeria. Some Common Wealth countries have attempted harmonisation. Inequality and exclusions are phenomena that assail most developing nations. As Nigeria is a country with enormous financial and economic potentials, it is not surprising that a few would take full advantage of any privilege which is occasioned by conflicts rather than redefine structures for inclusion. It is in this light that this article examines illegitimacy as is known in English jurisprudence vis-a-vis local understanding and customs in the context of the tension generated by colonial heritage. [Nigeria, African culture, marriage, child welfare, human dignity, colonial heritage]